d. Watch for a surface that feels slick. It may have grease or oil on it that can be
felt but not seen.
e. Check inner surfaces of cannulas by visual inspection and by the use of
injected air. The free flow of air through the cannula is only one indication that the
cannula is clean.
f. Look for these deficiencies in checking instruments:
(1)
Jointed instruments.
(a) The box lock does not move freely or is too loose.
(b) The ratchets do not glide smoothly over each other and to the last
notch.
(c)
The ratchets suddenly spring open when the instrument is laid
down.
(d) The tips of the instrument are not fully closed when the last ratchet
has been reached.
(e) The serrations or teeth are offset and do not come together
properly; this can occur in various types of hemostats such as Rankins (straight Kelly)
and Kochers.
(f)
Cracks, chips, or broken pieces of the metal.
(g) Instruments are bent out of their normal shapes. (Exceptions:
Malleable and flexible instruments such as probes and retractors.)
(2)
Tension action instruments (such as various dressing and tissue
forceps).
(a) The tension action is too strong or lacking.
(b) The tips do not meet when the instrument is closed.
(c)
The teeth or serrations are offset when they come together.
(d) The teeth are broken.
(3)
Sharp-edged instruments.
(a) The cutting edges do not close evenly.
MD0937
3-15