STEP 1 – DISINFECTION
The disinfection stage requires using a suitable disinfectant and following the correct concentration and contact time specified by the product manufacturer.
Cleaning and disinfection may also be supported by specialised equipment, such as an ultrasonic cleaner. Ultrasonic vibration helps loosen and remove debris, including traces of dirt and biological material, from instrument surfaces.
! Important: Disinfection destroys or reduces many harmful and opportunistic microorganisms, but it does not reliably eliminate every type of microorganism or bacterial spore. Therefore, a disinfected instrument should not be considered sterile.
1. Immerse the instruments in an appropriate disinfecting solution:
- Use a disinfectant that is specifically suitable for metal instruments and compatible with the material of the tools.
- Use a dedicated disinfecting container or an ultrasonic cleaner designed for use with the selected chemical solution.
- Prepare, replace and reuse the working solution only according to the disinfectant manufacturer’s instructions and stated use-life. Do not rely on appearance alone to determine whether the solution is still effective.
2. Ensure the instruments are fully immersed
The disinfecting solution should completely cover all instrument surfaces. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the required solution level and immersion method.
3. Observe the correct concentration and contact time
Always follow the dilution ratio, concentration and exposure time stated on the disinfectant packaging or technical instructions. Using a weaker concentration or shortening the contact time may reduce the effectiveness of disinfection.
4. Rinse and dry the instruments as directed
After the required disinfection time has been completed, thoroughly rinse off any remaining chemical residue when instructed by the product manufacturer. Dry the instruments completely before moving to the next processing stage to help reduce the risk of corrosion.
! Important: Avoid strongly acidic or alkaline products unless they are specifically approved for the instrument material and intended for this purpose. Some disinfecting chemicals can damage stainless steel or contribute to corrosion when used incorrectly. Always choose a product that is compatible with the tools and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for concentration, exposure time, rinsing and drying.
STEP 2 – PRE-STERILIZATION CLEANING
The purpose of this stage is to remove any remaining organic material, such as skin particles, nail debris and blood, as well as traces of disinfectant from the instruments. Proper cleaning is essential because residues left on the tools may become fixed to the surface during sterilization and can interfere with effective processing.
Manual cleaning
After disinfection, wash the instruments thoroughly using a suitable detergent and a cleaning brush. Pay particular attention to joints, grooves and cutting edges, while handling sharp areas carefully to avoid injury.
Once cleaned, rinse the instruments thoroughly under running water to remove detergent and loosened debris. Dry them completely before proceeding to the next stage.
! Important: Do not use abrasive materials, metal brushes or other cleaning tools that may scratch or damage the instrument surface.
Mechanical cleaning
If an ultrasonic cleaner is available and suitable for the instruments, it may be used to assist with the cleaning process. Ultrasonic cleaning helps remove contamination from small gaps, joints and other areas that may be difficult to reach manually.
After ultrasonic cleaning, rinse the instruments thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining detergent or residue, then dry them completely before sterilization.
STEP 3 – DRYING
After cleaning and rinsing, the instruments must be dried thoroughly before they are packaged for sterilization. Remove visible moisture with a clean, lint-free disposable towel, then allow the tools to finish air-drying if necessary.
Place the instruments in an open position and arrange them in a single layer so they do not touch or overlap. This allows moisture to evaporate from joints, hinges and other difficult-to-reach areas.
Once the instruments are completely dry, place them into suitable sterilization pouches or bags. Hinged tools, such as cuticle nippers and scissors, should remain open so the sterilizing agent can reach all surfaces.
! Important: Never package instruments while they are still wet. Remaining moisture can contribute to corrosion and may interfere with the sterilization process or compromise the integrity of the sterilization pouch.
STEP 4 – STERILIZATION
Sterilization is an essential stage in instrument reprocessing because it is designed to destroy all viable microorganisms, including bacterial spores. The sterilization method must be suitable for the instrument material and comply with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and applicable local health regulations.
! Important: Use only a validated sterilization method and approved equipment. The required temperature, exposure time, packaging and operating conditions depend on the sterilizer, the instruments and the sterilization pouches being used.
Thermal sterilization
Heat-resistant stainless-steel nail instruments are commonly sterilized using steam under pressure in an autoclave. Steam sterilization is a widely used and reliable method when the instruments can tolerate heat and moisture.
Before sterilization, instruments should be completely clean and dry, placed in suitable sterilization pouches and arranged according to the sterilizer manufacturer’s instructions. Hinged instruments should remain open so the sterilizing agent can reach all surfaces.
Do not use one universal temperature-and-time setting for every machine. Sterilization cycles vary depending on the type of autoclave, load, packaging and instrument manufacturer. Always use a validated cycle specified for your sterilizer.
Dry-heat sterilizers may also be used where permitted and where the instruments and packaging are compatible. Again, the correct temperature and exposure time must come from the validated sterilizer instructions rather than being estimated or adjusted manually.
! Important: After the cycle is complete, allow the instruments and sterilization pouches to cool and dry as instructed before handling or storing them. Do not increase the temperature or extend the cycle beyond the validated settings in an attempt to improve sterilization, as excessive heat can damage instruments and packaging.
Low-temperature / chemical sterilization
Some heat-sensitive medical devices require specialised low-temperature sterilization methods. However, liquid chemical sterilization should not be treated as a simple substitute for autoclaving nail tools. It requires an approved sterilant, precise concentration and contact conditions, and may not provide the same sterility assurance or allow the item to remain sterile after processing and rinsing. For reusable nail instruments that tolerate heat, use an approved heat-sterilization method whenever required by your local regulations. Always check the tool manufacturer’s compatibility instructions before processing coated, painted or heat-sensitive instruments.
