How to Load a Medical Automatic Washer

Sources of Guidance

Many times, instruments are just processed without separating or exposing the instruments completely to the cleaning process.

Instruments placed in a washer as is.

To reduce the problem of poor loading we need to look at the various sources that reference loading as a factor in the cleaning process:

Instrument manufacturers

MAW manufacturers

Standards and guidelines

Current literature

Instrument Manufacturers

Almost every surgical instrument catalog contains information in their annex similar to this:

“Yellow-brown discoloration – cause: this may be protein residuals, improperly cleaned surfaces, proteins left on the surface for a long period of time and then not thoroughly cleaned.”⁵

“With manual orthopedic surgical instruments, automated cleaning may not be effective. A thorough, manual cleaning process is recommended. Where applicable, disassemble instruments prior to cleaning.”⁶

“After surgery, open all box locks and disassemble instruments with removable parts. This will limit blood drying on instruments that may cause them to corrode. ”⁷

One of the most comprehensive instructions can be found at the Smith and Nephew Web site at http://ortho.smith-nephew.com/us/node.asp?NodeId=3248). The following are excerpts from their site:⁸