Instrument integrity and sterility: the perioperative practitioner's responsibilities

Surgical instruments, whether single use or reusable, are defined by the University of Newcastle's Online Medical Dictionary as 'Hand held tools or implements used by health professionals for the performance of surgical tasks' (CancerWEB 1998). This definition, in its broadest terms, recognises that the inter-professional team (health professionals) are involved in the use, care and management of that tool or implement (performance of surgical tasks). Spry (2007) identifies that a surgical instrument could last 10 years if well made, carefully handled and appropriately used and that it is the responsibility of the surgical team and sterile services personnel to preserve and protect the life of each individual instrument. This article will identify the perioperative practitioner's responsibility in ensuring that each surgical instrument is fit for purpose, safe for use and will not harm the patient during use. The article will outline the process of instrument/set selection and the pre-, intra- and postoperative checks that should be made by the inter-professional team prior to, during and after use of that set/instrument. This article will also enable the practitioner to gain or reinforce their knowledge and understanding of the decontamination process and its application within the perioperative environment.