Instrument inspection ensures that items are clean, functional, and free of damage or defects before they are sterilized and used in patient care. It is a critical quality control step.
A magnifying glass or lighted magnifier is essential for inspecting small areas, such as box locks, serrations, or lumens, ensuring that there are no residual contaminants or damages.
While cleanliness, functionality, and physical integrity are critical aspects of inspection, labeling is not part of the inspection process. Labeling is related to assembly and packaging.
Damaged instrument must not be used, as they can pose risks to patients or staff. They should be removed, tagged, and sent for repair or replacement to maintain the integrity of the instrument sets.
Scissors should be tested on a standardized material, such as a yellow test card, to assess sharpness accurately and safety. Using improper methods or unapproved materials can damage the instrument or result in inaccurate testing.