CLEANING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS 1130108744339568

Hospitals use a multistep process to clean metal surgical instruments. Typical steps include:

* Soaking in water immediately after use in the operating room.

* Rinsing and disinfecting.

* Washing by hand with soap and water.

* Washing by machine.

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This story was originally published January 7, 2005 at 3:00 AM with the headline "CLEANING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS 1130108744339568."