New Guidelines for Cleaning and Sterilizing Intralocular Surgical Instruments
The Ophthalmic Instrument and Cleaning and Sterilization Task Force has issued guidelines for cleaning and sterilizing intraocular surgical instruments.
“The small size of our instruments and the unique susceptibility of the eye to microscopic contaminants differentiates optimum cleaning and sterilization procedures for cataract surgery from other types of general surgery,” noted David D. Chang, MD, a member of the task force and an ophthalmologist at Altos Eye Physicians in Los Altos, CA. The recommendations cover:
- General administrative principles
- Guidance on cleaning intraocular instruments
- Use of enzymatic detergent
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Reuse of phaco tips
- Sterilization of intraocular surgical instruments
- Short-cycle, sequential, same-day use
The task force is comprised of members of ASCRS. AAO, and OOSS.
Hillman L. OICS Task Force issues guidelines for cleaning and sterilization of ophthalmic instruments. [Published online June 14, 2018]. Eye World https://www.eyeworld.org/oics-task-force-issues-guidelines-cleaning-and-sterilization-ophthalmic-instruments