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Stains

Orange-brown to reddish stains that look like rust are likely caused by detergent residues on towels or high alkaline detergents leaving phosphate deposits. Black, brown, and pitting are caused by exposure to acidic or low pH substances like chemicals or bleach. Different colored stains indicate issues like heat damage, cross-contamination of dissimilar metals, or improper preparation of sterilization solutions. The document provides recommendations to address each type of stain such as changing detergents, separating instruments, and using distilled water.

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Luiggi Fayad
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67 views1 page

Stains

Orange-brown to reddish stains that look like rust are likely caused by detergent residues on towels or high alkaline detergents leaving phosphate deposits. Black, brown, and pitting are caused by exposure to acidic or low pH substances like chemicals or bleach. Different colored stains indicate issues like heat damage, cross-contamination of dissimilar metals, or improper preparation of sterilization solutions. The document provides recommendations to address each type of stain such as changing detergents, separating instruments, and using distilled water.

Uploaded by

Luiggi Fayad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

instrument stains

Instrument Stains

Color Cause of Stain What to do

Orange-Brown Do eraser test, if stain rubs off and no • Change to Neutral pH detergent. Recommend Miltex
to Reddish pitting exists, problem is most likely from: Surgical Instrument Cleaner.
stain (looks like • Check pH of towels with litmus to verify if detergent
rust) • Detergent residue on towels or High Alkaline >8 residues are present.
pH detergent is being used leaving a phosphate • Rinse the instruments in warm water for at least
surface deposit 30 seconds
• Dried blood • Use a stain remover on both the instruments
• Iodine or Betadine residue and autoclaves
• If problem persists, consider changing to distilled
or demineralized water. Particularly if local water
supply is high in Iron or other minerals.

Black, Brown Subjected to an Acidic Low <6 pH substance • Change to Neutral pH detergent. Recommend Miltex
& Pitting such as: Surgical Instrument Cleaner.
• Check pH of towels with litmus to verify if detergent
• Low pH detergent residues on instrument residues are present.
surface or from towels • Eliminate exposure to chemicals or bleach
• Exposed to other chemical compounds • Rinse thoroughly and consider using distilled or
from “cold soaking” demineralized water. Particularly if local water supply is
• Exposure to Bleach high in Iron or other minerals.
• Use stain remover on both the instruments and autoclaves
• Eliminate any use of bleach.
• If pitting remains, send instrument back to manufacturer
for evaluation.
Rainbow or Multi-Color • Heat compromised, tensile strength is compromised • Check the autoclave for proper temperature

Bluish-Green • Cross contamination between dissimilar metals • Separate instruments by type before cleaning
Bluish-Black or autoclaving

Bluish-Gray • Improper preparation of cold sterilization solutions • Follow solution manufacturer’s directions closely,
(w/possible pitting) particularly temp. & soak times.
• Use distilled or demineralized water
• Change solution per mfg’s instructions
Rust • Sterilizing instruments of dissimilar metals in • Separate instruments by metal types prior to sterilization.
the same cycle. • Use neutral pH detergents and change to distilled or
• Chemicals in detergents or excess amounts of Iron demineralized water. Particularly if local water supply is
or other minerals from local water supply. known to contain Iron or other minerals.
• New Instruments may be slightly magnetized during • Wipe off as much residue leaving shiny metal underneath.
the manufacturing process. Use a stain remover on both the instruments
and autoclaves.
• After several autoclaving sequences, the instruments
lose their magnetic property
Spotting Light • Slow evaporation of water drops with mineral content • Eliminate water droplets and moisture by adhering to
or Dark colored • Instrument wraps & towels may contain detergent autoclave manufacturer’s operating instructions.
residue. • Use Miltex Stain Remover on both the instruments
and autoclaves
• Change to distilled or demineralized water. Particularly
if local water supply is known to contain Iron or
other minerals.
• Thoroughly wash & rinse wraps & towels with a
neutral pH detergent.

RPR-GUD 0607/5/A/1

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