Bipolar Forceps Cleaning and Sterilization

Bipolar forceps are critical instruments used to stop bleeding during surgery. Proper maintenance and inspection is needed to ensure they will work reliably in surgery. These are our suggested best practices:

Cleaning Process:

  1. Rinse forceps with cold tap water to remove visible contamination.
  2. Use a soft brush to thoroughly clean all surfaces and eliminate bioburden.
  3. Submerge the forceps in a cleaning bath per the provided instructions.
  4. Manually clean the instruments in the bath, paying attention to all surfaces. 
  5. For channels and tubes, insert the brush multiple times and flush with deionized water. A visual inspection of the lumen is recommended.
  6. Rinse the forceps with deionized water to remove cleaning agents without residue.

Disinfection:

  1. Prepare a disinfection bath as per manufacturer’s instructions and immerse the forceps.
  2. Adhere to the recommended manufacturer’s time for efficient disinfection.
  3. Thoroughly rinse the forceps with deionized water to ensure complete removal of the disinfectant.

Drying:

  1. Use lint-free cloth and sterile compressed air to dry the forceps and ensure the forceps are completely dry.

Visual Inspection and Testing:

  1. Perform a visual inspection to check cleanliness and integrity of your bipolar forcep.
  2. Conduct an assembly and functional test if necessary to ensure proper working order. 
  3. Repeat cleaning steps if forceps are not visually clean after reprocessing.
  4. ONLY use a bipolar insulation tester if you can visually see damage to the insulation near the working tips – always check the power settings to not create additional damage.

Sterilization:

  1. Next follow a fractional pre-vacuum procedure.
  2. This involves three pre-vacuum phases with a minimum pressure of 60 mbar, followed by heating to sterilization temperature between 132 C and 137 C for 3 to 18 minutes.
  3. Allow for at least 10 minutes of drying time to ensure thorough sterilization.
  4. For suspected prion contamination, follow industry established guidelines.

Storage:

  1. Store sterilized bipolar forceps in a dry, clean, and dust-free environment.

Taking the time to follow these steps for Bipolar Forceps Cleaning and Sterilization and conduct a thorough inspection will not only ensure that your forceps work as intended, but also extend their lifespan. By prioritizing maintenance and care, you can rely on your forceps for years to come. 

Bayonet Bipolar Forceps Cleaning