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While most suppliers of instrument cleaning brushes sell them as “disposable” or “single use” (because nobody knows what bioburden can remain in the bristles after each use), we realize that many sterile processing departments reuse their brushes and periodically run them through the washer or ultrasonic cleaners in order to extend their useful life.
All of our Toothbrush, Channel Brushes, and Flexible Scope Brushes are capable of withstanding the rigors of multiple uses and wash cycles. However, to get the best “scrubbing” action, we highly encourage you to replace brushes when they show significant wear. We do not recommend using wire Channel Brushes that have bent handles (they can scratch channels that result in expensive scope repairs).
Here are some simple guidelines and instructions for everyday brush use:
Before using any cleaning brush, be sure to check the brush for wear. Replace the brush if:
- Bristles are flattened, loose, excessively worn, or missing.
- Wire handle is bent (which can cause damage to channels).
Using hot water and a mild detergent, thoroughly rinse all instrument components.
Select the proper brush to clean exposed surfaces:
- Use a soft Nylon “Toothbrush” for general surface cleaning.
- If necessary use a medium bronze or brass “Toothbrush” for removing more stubborn debris from crevices, serrations, jaws and burrs.
- As a last resort, use a more aggressive stainless steel “Toothbrush” to remove any remaining debris.
Select the proper cleaning brush for channels and lumens:
- Bristle diameter should be slightly larger than the diameter of the opening in order to facilitate the “scrubbing” action of the bristles against the sides of the channel or lumen. Bristles should not be too rigid or too soft.
- Introduce the compatible brush into the instrument.
- Push bristles all the way through to push out any debris.
- Extract the brush and rinse bristles.
- Reinsert brush and move it back and forth several times to “scrub” the channel or lumen.
- Extract the brush and rinse the bristles.
- Reinsert the brush and push bristles all the way through the channel or lumen to remove any remaining debris loosened by the scrubbing action.
- Place brush in hot water with mild detergent between uses.
- NOTE: when cleaning instruments with a sealing ring at their proximal end (working inserts, working elements, optical forceps and scissors) the cleaning brush should be introduced from the distal end in order to prevent damage to the sealing ring.
Immerse used brushes in an ultrasonic cleaner for 5 minutes at a frequency of 40 kHz or higher.
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