BASIC REMINDERS:

• Remember, always inspect, clean, rinse and lubricate brand-new surgical instruments prior to the first sterilization.
• Do not allow blood, tissue, cellular debris or saline to dry on the instruments.
• Always use a demineralized or distilled water for the last cleaning process.
• Remember that instruments cleaned with BSS without thorough rinsing thereafter, will start corroding in the autoclave.
• Use a soft brush to clean handles and nothing rougher than facial tissue for the tips of the instruments.
• If ultrasonic cleaning is practiced, do not clean by this method for more than 3 minutes and use only low-powered cleaners.
• Dry the instrument carefully by using a dust-free cloth or a hot-air blast before storing them.
• Store and sterilize instruments in a protective tray. 
• Autoclave instruments: The temperature should not exceed 273°F / 134°C
  Moreover, it is highly suggested that instruments are stored in the same container that will be sterilized. In this way, unnecessarily handling can be avoided.  PanOphthalmics has both ULTEM and METAL surgical trays of varying dimensions in order to address this need. Cases made of high grade stainless steel are available and can last for many years of active use. All cases include autoclavable silicon mats with a series of nubbins to hold each instrument in place. The mats, or nubbins may be cut with scissors to accommodate instruments of unusual shapes for best protection.  All cases and mats are perforated to facilitate drainage of the same.