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← Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery / 4th Year / BDS

OBSERVE / REASON / EXPLAIN

Surgical instrument reprocessing

Explain safe handling of reusable surgical instruments.

Original teaching scenario / OSCE

Your practical station

A reusable surgical set has returned from a procedure. Explain the workflow and checks before it can be used again.

Recognise and interpret

Reprocessing is a validated sequence appropriate to the instrument, contamination risk and manufacturer instructions.

1

Separate

Maintain the designated dirty-to-clean workflow.

2

Process

Follow cleaning, inspection, packaging and sterilisation requirements.

3

Verify

Use the specified monitoring and storage process before release.

At the viva table

Try answering aloud, then open the suggested answer. Examiner questions vary.

01 / Does visible cleanliness prove sterility?

No. Cleaning and sterilisation are distinct.

02 / Can an autoclave display alone prove every pack is acceptable?

No. The required monitoring and release criteria must be met.

03 / Why inspect instruments after cleaning?

Residual contamination or damage requires attention.

04 / Should damaged packaging be ignored?

No. Follow the reprocessing policy.

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