How to Sterilise Surgical Instruments: Step-by-Step

Surgical instruments are sterilised in five steps: clean, inspect, lubricate, package and autoclave. Steam autoclaving at 121 °C for 15–30 minutes or 134 °C for 3–10 minutes kills bacteria, viruses and spores on stainless steel instruments.

1. Clean immediately after use

Rinse blood and tissue off within 30 minutes so residue does not dry and cause pitting. Soak in an enzymatic detergent, then scrub joints, serrations and box locks with a soft nylon brush. Ultrasonic cleaners remove debris from hinges that brushes miss.

2. Inspect every instrument

Check that scissors cut cleanly, forceps tips align, ratchets hold and no rust or cracks are visible. Send damaged instruments for repair and sharpening instead of sterilising them.

3. Lubricate moving parts

Apply water-soluble instrument milk to hinges and box joints. Never use machine oil, which blocks steam penetration.

4. Package for sterilisation

Open ratchets and hinges, place instruments in perforated trays and wrap or pouch them with a chemical indicator.

5. Steam autoclave

Run a validated cycle — commonly 134 °C for 3–10 minutes or 121 °C for 15–30 minutes — followed by a drying phase. Wet packs must be reprocessed.

Which instruments can be autoclaved?

All stainless steel instruments in our surgical instruments range are steam autoclavable. Single-use items such as sterile scalpel blades are discarded after use.