Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

PROCESSING INSTRUMENTS AFTER USE

Processing instruments after use is a controlled sequence of point-of-use containment, decontamination, cleaning, rinsing, drying, inspection, packaging, sterilization, and storage. The exact disinfectant concentration, contact time, sterilizer cycle, and quality checks must follow facility and CSSD policy.

Purpose

  • Reduce bioburden and protect staff during handling
  • Remove organic material that interferes with disinfection or sterilization
  • Return safe, functional instruments for reuse or CSSD processing

Indications

  • All reusable instruments after patient care
  • Instruments contaminated with blood, body fluids, or tissue
  • Preparation for disinfection or sterilization according to device classification

Equipment

  • PPE including utility gloves, apron, eye protection, and mask as indicated
  • Approved freshly prepared decontamination solution
  • Covered leak-proof container
  • Detergent, basin, clean water, and soft brush
  • Instrument lubricant if approved
  • Drying rack or lint-free towels
  • Inspection light, trays, labels, and CSSD transport container

Preparation

  • Confirm instrument classification and the required reprocessing pathway with CSSD policy.
  • Check that PPE, solution, brushes, containers, and spill-management supplies are available.

Procedure steps

  • At point of use, remove gross soil safely, keep instruments moist if required, and transport them in a closed labelled container.
  • Perform hand hygiene and put on the required PPE before handling contaminated instruments.
  • Prepare the approved disinfectant at the correct concentration and record preparation according to policy.
  • Open hinged instruments and fully immerse them for the stated contact time; never exceed or shorten the validated time without authorization.
  • Rinse safely, then clean every surface, joint, lumen, and serration with detergent and the correct brush under the water level to reduce splashing.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove detergent, inspect for residual soil or damage, and repeat cleaning or remove from service if needed.
  • Dry instruments completely, lubricate hinged parts only with an approved product, and assemble or package them according to CSSD instructions.
  • Transfer instruments for the validated sterilization method appropriate to their classification; do not treat boiling as equivalent to sterilization unless policy specifically authorizes it.
  • Check sterilization indicators and package integrity before storage; quarantine packs that are wet, torn, expired, or have failed indicators.
  • Document the batch or load information where required, transport safely, perform hand hygiene, and report damaged equipment or exposure incidents.

Precautions

  • Never manually reach into a basin containing sharps; use instruments or forceps to retrieve them.
  • Do not mix chlorine or other chemicals; follow the product safety data and local dilution policy.
  • Cleaning must precede sterilization because organic soil can shield microorganisms.
  • Use validated equipment and quality controls; do not release a failed or compromised sterilization load.

Documentation

  • Record solution preparation, instrument count, damage, missing items, and transfer to CSSD when required.
  • Document exposure, sharps injury, or decontamination failure according to incident policy.

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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