The Importance of Instrument Storage and Sterilization for Vets
If we are to learn from history, then we will learn that the importance of instrument storage and sterilization of surgical instruments for both humans and vets is crucial in order to prevent after-surgery infections or worse.
Jorgensen Labs is a veterinarian-owned and family-run business that has been helping vets with vet supplies since 1965. We offer a variety of instrument storage and sterilization tools for vets, such as our Cold Sterilization Soaking Trays and our UV Clean Clamp Mount. Below, we’ll go over the importance of instrument storage and sterilization for vets. Browse all of our veterinary supplies online today!
THE IMPORTANCE OF INSTRUMENT STORAGE AND STERILIZATION FOR VETS
Sterilization is the process of ensuring that surgical instruments are cleaned and properly disinfected before they are used for surgery on a pet. The obvious benefit is that this process drastically reduces the likelihood of an infection. In addition, this reduces the need to use new surgical instruments, plus it promotes a good, clean veterinary clinic. There are a few different types of sterilization utilized in the veterinary field.
Steam Sterilization
Sterilizing by using steam is a very common method used by vets across the country. This method kills the dangerous bacteria with the moisture. Pressure is often used to increase the steam’s temperature in order to ensure all of the germs and bacteria are killed. Autoclave chambers allow the steam to reach over the boiling point of water and can take up to 90 minutes to ensure sterilization. There are three common types of sterilizers used, such as gravity, prevacuum, and steam pulsing. Each operates a bit differently, but all achieve the same results.
Cold Sterilization
Cold sterilization is another common technique amongst veterinarians for instruments that cannot be sterilized using steam sterilization. This would include any instrument with a lens, such as an endoscope and an arthroscope, as well as anesthetic equipment. These instruments are then placed in a special solution and allowed to sit in order to kill all of the bacteria, viruses, and other bad guys hanging out on them.
Standard Cleaning and Disinfecting
At the end of every veterinary surgery, your surgical instruments should be cleaned of all debris within 30 minutes of the procedure to prevent the blood from drying. This should be done using common soap and distilled water before the instruments head to the sterilization process. Each surgical instrument should be visually inspected to ensure they are clean of any physical material before being sterilized. When it comes to the health and safety of animals, you can never be too cautious.
Plasma Sterilization
In this type of sterilization chosen by veterinarians, hydrogen peroxide gas is used to kill microorganisms inside a chamber. The gas produces free radicals that then attach themselves to the bacteria and germs and kills them. Radio waves are used to enact this process. When the sterilization process is over after about one hour, the materials revert back to oxygen, water, and other byproducts. Many types of single-celled organisms can be killed using this method, including bacteria, spores, fungi, and viruses.
CHOOSE JORGENSEN LABS FOR YOUR VETERINARY SUPPLIES TODAY
Jorgensen Labs offers a variety of veterinary products to help you clean and sanitize your veterinary equipment in order to keep your animals safe from infections. We offer Autoclavable Double Layer Trays that can be used in both autoclaves or in cold sterilization. You can order our Cold Sterilization Soaking Trays or our Colorful Storage Bins for your veterinary surgical instruments. We also offer a Wavicide Sterilization Solution that can be used with your veterinary supplies that cannot be sanitized in an autoclave.
Since 1965, we’ve been your go-to store for veterinary surgical supplies. From orthopedic instruments and goomin aids to surgical drains, nail trimmers, feeding tubes, avian equipment, and so much more, you can find what your vet clinic needs all in one place. We offer exceptional customer service that our clients have come to appreciate. If you have a problem with a vet supply you ordered, simply give us a call for a resolution. Our mission is for our customers to be 100% satisfied.
If you are interested in any of our pet medical supplies, browse online, and order today!