This guide is intended to provide a better understanding of the care of stainless steel surgical instruments intended for reuse. This guide is not intended for use with electrical, pneumatic, or other powered surgical instruments. The stainless steels most used are martensitic and austenitic types. The instruments shall be used only for their intended purpose, such as cutting, holding, clamping, retracting, and so forth. Undue stress or strain should be avoided when handling and cleaning. The guide includes care in particular for hemostatic forceps, needle holders, scissors, microsurgical instruments, instrument kits, and other sharp instruments. The instrument care specified includes cleaning, lubrication, and inspection. Testing, repair and restoration, and sterilization are specified.

1.1 This guide is intended to provide a better understanding of the care of stainless steel surgical instruments intended for reuse. This guide is not intended for use with electrical, pneumatic, or other powered surgical instruments.

1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.