Instructions for Use
Download official IFU documents for all Crosstex instruments. Always read instructions before clinical use.
CROSSTEX Instruments
CROSSTEX Dental and Surgical Instrument family includes hand instruments, mirrors, pliers, amalgam carriers, scissors, elevators, forceps, trephines, mucosa membrane punches, chisels, mallets, and cassettes.
CROSSTEX Dental and Surgical Instruments are reusable devices.
Intended Purpose
CROSSTEX products are designed to perform a specific function, such as cutting, grasping, clamping, dissecting, probing, retracting, aspirating, suturing, or ligating. They are for use by, or as directed by, a dental or surgical professional.
Products should be used only for the purpose for which they are designed. Trained professionals may use, disinfect, clean and sterilize the product. Proper maintenance is the key to preserve the quality and precision of our instruments.
Warnings
The following actions must never be performed with CROSSTEX instruments.
- Misuse instruments or overstrain parts or racks. Do not process powered instruments in an ultrasonic cleaner.
- Use abrasives on instruments, as this will destroy the surface finish. That may later cause discoloration, rusting, or pitting.
- Handle instruments by their tips. These should be cleaned by trained personnel only who will ensure the delicate working ends are well protected during storage or sterilization.
- Pack instruments with other, more difficult instruments. Remember always — heavy instruments on the bottom and light instruments on the top.
- Use general-purpose oils for instruments; only water-soluble lubricants should be used.
- Leave instruments soaking longer than necessary in chemical sterilizing solutions. After sterilization, wash thoroughly in warm water to remove all traces of chemicals to prevent discoloration or pitting.
- Store wet instruments. They must be thoroughly dried first.
- Expose stainless steel instruments to bleach or other chemicals for disinfection. Exposure to bleach will result in severe pitting and will void all manufacturer's guarantees.
- Leave soiled instruments to dry. If it is impossible to clean them immediately after use, soak them in cold water.
- Use cutters on instruments. This will spoil the surface finish and may later cause pitting, discoloration, or rusting.
- Allow bladed instruments to touch any other instruments.
- Put instruments of different metals in the same cleaning cycle.
- Use steel wool or wire brushes for cleaning.
- Use common Saline as it commences the process of corrosion.
- Use a silicone spray as this will render the instrument unsterile.
Instructions
The following practices must always be followed when using CROSSTEX instruments.
- Check all instructions for the use and sterilization of new instruments. Unless otherwise directed they should be inspected, cleaned, rinsed, and lubricated before being put into service.
- Lubricate after cleaning with a proprietary water-soluble instrument lubricant. Use only neutral pH cleaning solutions.
- Follow the approved cleaning procedure of the hospital.
- Do not use corrosive cleaning agents. We recommend cleaning solutions and rinses with pH 7.0.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or brushes with hard bristles. Use distilled water for rinsing only. Water with chloride contents may damage or even destroy the instruments.
- Do not leave instruments in cleaning or disinfecting solutions for long periods (overnight or weekend), as the instruments can be destroyed.
- Ensure all instruments are only used for the purpose for which they were designed.
- Handle all instruments gently. Never overstrain, drop, or misuse them. Check all instruments for damage after use.
- Give special attention to micro-instruments. They have fine tips that can easily be damaged by contact with other instruments. Hand cleaning is preferable.
- Ensure all instruments are thoroughly dried before being stored.
- Pack instruments carefully with heavier ones lying on a piece of cloth or towel at the bottom.
- Store and sterilize bow-handled instruments on a special holder. Always leave racks and ratchets open.
- Check the hardness of the water used in the autoclave. Too hard water will leave a deposit on the instruments.
- If a water softener is used, ensure it is at the manufacturer's recommended level. Too much may cause discoloration or pitting. Make sure all instrument surfaces are visibly neat and free from stains and proteinaceous substances.
Care Procedures
Disinfection, Cleaning & Sterilization
Follow these step-by-step procedures to maintain instrument integrity and ensure patient safety.
Disinfection
For disinfection of instruments, use Isopropyl Alcohol 70% and Water 30%. Apply thoroughly before proceeding to the cleaning step.
Cleaning
Remove any obvious debris with a soft, non-metallic cleaning brush plus mild detergent and sterile purified water. Rinse thoroughly until free of detergent residual, then dry using a sterile wipe.
Sterilization
Sterilize by moist heat sterilization at 270°F (132°C) for 15 minutes prior to use in surgery. Ensure instruments are fully dry before placing in autoclave pouches.
Storage
Store instruments in a clean, cool and dry area. Protect from mechanical damage and direct sunlight. Handle with extreme care during transport and storage.
Disposal
No special decomposition required. Instruments do not contain toxic or hazardous materials. However, it is recommended to disinfect and autoclave before disposal due to bio-hazard risk after clinical use.
Expiration Date
If properly used and maintained, the instrument does not expire. The end of life is determined by wear and damage in use. Inspect before each procedure and retire any damaged instrument immediately.