Repeated use of clipper blades without sterilization not surprisingly results in higher levels of bacterial contamination of blades. Abrasions or microabrasions can facilitate colonization and proliferation of various opportunistic bacteria. If skin lesions are noted at the time of clipping or after surgery, the incident should be recorded and investigated in order to determine whether instrument cleaning, maintenance or replacement, or personnel training is required.

Weese, J.S. (2008) A review of post-operative infections in veterinary orthopaedic surgery. Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology, vol.21, pp.99-105.

https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/surgical-instruments-care-and-handling

• Instruments should only be used for the purpose for which they were designed. Allis tissue forceps should not be used as bone holders and Metzenbaum scissors should not be used for cutting sutures!

• Instruments should always be placed on surfaces, not dropped or thrown.

• Heavy items should not be placed on top of, or adjacent to delicate equipment.

• Instruments with cutting blades should be protected to avoid dulling of the edges.

• Protective sheaths should be left in place until the instrument is ready for use.

• During surgery, the scrubbed nurse (if utilising this role) should ensure that the instruments are kept free of blood and debris by wiping with a sterile moistened swab after each use.

In the autoclave the instruments must always be in the open position to allow the steam to reach all surfaces. Do not overload the autoclave trays, which would block the steam penetration. The temperature, cycle duration and pressure should be those recommended by the manufacturer.

Complete drying of all instruments and implants should be assured to prevent their degradation. The use of dry heat is not recommended for the sterilisation process.

A range of suitable brushes is useful. These should be soft nylon for most instruments, and include fine tube brushes for instruments with a lumen such as drill guides. Pipe-cleaners can also be useful.

Clean instruments should be visually inspected for signs of damage. Pay particular attention to joints for signs of cracking and cutting edges for damage and wear.

Strong, D. and Capewell, L. (2015) Design and care of surgical instruments. In Practice, vol.37, pp.359-364.

The autoclave is a very hostile environment for your instruments. The combination of heat and moisture promotes corrosion and staining, particularly if there are residual detergents in wrapping materials. This is also true where tap water, instead of distilled or demineralised water, is used in the autoclave.

Mineral deposits on instruments are unsightly and can interfere with normal joint function. They are difficult to remove, so prevention is better than cure. Chloride ions from water treatments and laundry detergents, as well as those from organic contaminants, can build up and damage the surface of the instrument, causing pitting.

Rust and contaminants in the steam pipes of your autoclave will transfer to your instruments, so autoclave maintenance is important. Regular servicing ensures the autoclave is working correctly. Vacuum autoclaves help remove residual steam from packs but it is important that directions are followed and cycles are completed.

Regularly check that the door seal is undamaged, and replace it if necessary. Drain and refill the water tank regularly with distilled water, unless your machine does this automatically. You may well be surprised what comes out!

If your packs are coming out of the autoclave wet, then there is a cycle problem and you need to speak to your autoclave engineer for advice. Wet storage will result in corrosion and damage to your instruments.

https://www.isvma.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AVSTAdvanceSurgicalSkillsSugicalInstrumentCareandSterilization.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14530104/

Porous packs, for example, those wrapped in material such as cloth drapes, should be re-packaged and re-autoclaved after 4 weeks if unused, or sooner if sterility is compromised due to a defect in the packaging. Packs that are contained in nylon or 'peel and seal' packs can be used for up to one year if stored correctly.

https://wvs.academy/learn/companion-animals/spay-neuter/preparation-and-principles/surgical-equipment/autoclaving

Bezerra, G., de Santana, F.A., Silva, C.G. et al. Assessing the Validity of the Storage of Sterilized Surgical Instruments Steam under Pressure. Indian J Surg 83, 672–675 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-020-02432-3