Surgical Instrument Sterilization in 2026: IFU, ISO 17664 and Reprocessing Best Practices
Infection control and traceability are among the hottest topics in healthcare right now. Every reusable surgical instrument must be reprocessed correctly after each use, and the manufacturer must tell you how.
What is the IFU?
The IFU (Instructions for Use) is the document from the manufacturer that explains how to clean, disinfect, inspect, package and sterilize an instrument. International standards such as ISO 17664 describe what manufacturers should provide.
The main steps
1. Point-of-use care: remove gross soil and keep instruments moist before transport.
2. Cleaning: manual brushing and/or ultrasonic and washer-disinfector cleaning. Open all hinged instruments.
3. Rinsing and drying: use good quality water and dry fully to avoid spotting and rust.
4. Inspection: check jaws, serrations, box locks, ratchets and tips under good light. Remove damaged items.
5. Lubrication: use an instrument-safe lubricant on joints when recommended.
6. Packaging and sterilization: steam autoclave is most common for stainless steel and titanium; follow the IFU for time and temperature.
7. Storage and records: keep sterile packs dry and record the cycle for traceability.
Common mistakes
Using saline or harsh chlorine cleaners on instruments, stacking heavy items on delicate ones, and skipping inspection are the main reasons instruments fail early.
Good instruments last longer with proper care. Ask your supplier for a clear IFU with every order.
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