Cleaning and Sterilization Guidelines for Rusch Conventional Layrngoscope Blades and Handles:

Blades:

Cleaning Procedures:
Immediately after use, blades should be rinsed in clean tap water to remove any residue. The blade should then be gently scrubbed in soapy water with a soft brush. To provide a thoroughly rinse the blade and dry.

Warning: Ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended

Caution: Steel wool, wire brushes and other tools may scratch the light fibers and decrease illumination.

Disinfection/Sterilization:

1. Ethylene Oxide Gas (ETO) is appropriate. Do NOT exceed temperature of 130° F and pressure of 8 psi. Exposure time must be accurately controlled. Autoclave (Steam):
2. Autoclaving may be used but will greatly reduce the life of the light pipe DO NOT exceed temperature of 270° F and pressure 28 psi.
   
   WARNING: Flash autoclaving and hot air sterilization are not recommended. These processes will damage the instrument. The repeated high temperature and changes in temperature caused by autoclaving will shorten the life of the laryngoscope products.
   
   CAUTION: Sudden immersion of the conventional blades in cold water may lead to cracking of the fiber optic bundles and potentially damage the light transmission.
3. Cold Soak Solutions: The blades are compatible with 2% gluteraldehyde solutions (e.g. Cidex). For recommended exposure times and solution strength, contact solution manufacturer.
4. Steris Process: The Steris Process as developed by Steris Corporation, consists of a peroxyacetic acid active compound for the sterilization of medical devices. Rusch laryngoscope blades have been successfully sterilized. This process also proves to abe anti-corrosive. Please note that Steris System processing should comply with all directions and warnings which Steris Corporation recommends woth their units.
5. Water Sterilization: If a machine washer/sterilizer or chemical cleaners are used, adhere strictly to manufacturer's instructions regarding concentration and duration. Disinfect at temperatures up to 65° C (150° F) PLEASE NOTE: Do not dry heat. Air cool for 5 minutes or blot dry.

Handles:

Cleaning and Sterilization: Handles will withstand the same cold soak solutions, ethylene oxide and autoclave ranges outlined in the blade section. They may not be cleaned in a steris system. However, the batteries must be removed prior to disinfection/sterilization.