This guide summarizes the general steps for reprocessing reusable surgical and dental hand instruments made of stainless steel that you purchase from MedToolPro. It applies to instruments without cavities and without electrical components, for example curettes, probes, forceps, scissors, clamps, tweezers, needle holders and root elevators.

Important: If the manufacturer's instructions for use are supplied with the instrument, they take precedence. Reprocessing must be carried out using validated procedures in accordance with the KRINKO/BfArM recommendation "Requirements for hygiene in the reprocessing of medical devices" ("Anforderungen an die Hygiene bei der Aufbereitung von Medizinprodukten"). The operator, i.e. the practice or clinic, is responsible.

1. Before first use

• Instruments are delivered non-sterile and must be fully reprocessed (cleaning, disinfection, sterilization) before first use.
• Remove protective caps and packaging material beforehand.

2. Preparation at the point of use

• Remove gross contamination immediately after use with a lint-free cloth.
• Do not allow instruments to dry on. Keep the time until reprocessing as short as possible (recommendation: under 6 hours).
• Do not use fixing agents or hot water (above 40 °C) for pre-cleaning, as they fix proteins.
• Do not place instruments in saline solution – chlorides cause pitting corrosion.

3. Transport

Transport instruments safely, closed and as dry as possible to reprocessing, for example in a cassette or a closed container.

4. Cleaning and disinfection

Automated (preferred):

• Use a washer-disinfector (WD) in accordance with DIN EN ISO 15883 with a validated program.
• Load hinged instruments in the open position and arrange instruments so that all surfaces are reached by the flow. Do not overload trays and cassettes.
• Use mildly alkaline or neutral cleaners approved for stainless steel instruments. Dosage and contact time according to the cleaner manufacturer's instructions.
• Thermal disinfection in accordance with DIN EN ISO 15883 (A0 value according to the KRINKO recommendation, usually A0 ≥ 3000 for critical medical devices).
• Final rinse with demineralized water, then dry thoroughly.

Manual (if no WD is available):

• Fully immerse instruments in a suitable, aldehyde-free cleaning and disinfecting solution; concentration and contact time according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Clean with a soft plastic brush, with joints and box locks in the open position. Do not use metal brushes or abrasives.
• Rinse thoroughly with drinking-quality water, finish with demineralized water, and dry.
• An ultrasonic bath may be used as additional support.

5. Inspection and maintenance

• Check each instrument under good lighting for cleanliness, damage, corrosion, cracks and function. Reprocess soiled instruments again.
• Check cutting edges and tips for sharpness and shape; resharpen or replace dull curettes and scalers.
• Before sterilization, care for joints, locks and threads with a steam-permeable, paraffin-based instrument oil. Do not use silicone-based oils.
• Sort out damaged or corroded instruments so that rust is not transferred to other instruments (extraneous rust).

6. Packaging

Packaging in sterile barrier systems in accordance with DIN EN ISO 11607 (for example transparent pouches, sterilization containers or cassettes with fleece wrap), suitable for steam sterilization.

7. Sterilization

• Steam sterilization using the fractionated vacuum process in accordance with DIN EN 285 or DIN EN 13060 (class B sterilizer) with a validated process in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17665.
• 134 °C is customary; holding time according to the validated process (in practice often 5 minutes). Do not exceed a temperature of 137 °C.
• Allow to dry sufficiently. Hot-air sterilization and chemical methods are not intended for these instruments unless the manufacturer states otherwise.

8. Storage

Store sterile instruments dry, protected from dust and at room temperature. Storage period according to the type of packaging and the requirements of your hygiene plan.

9. Limits of reprocessing

Frequent reprocessing has only a minor effect on stainless steel instruments. The end of service life is generally determined by wear and damage, for example dull cutting edges, bent tips, cracks or corrosion.

Further information

• Guide: Care and reprocessing of surgical and dental instruments
• Guide: Loading instrument cassettes and trays correctly
• Arbeitskreis Instrumenten-Aufbereitung (AKI): "Instrumenten-Aufbereitung richtig gemacht" ("Red Brochure")

Questions about reprocessing a specific instrument? Write to us via the contact form.

As of: October 2026. These notes do not replace validation of the reprocessing procedures in your facility.