Your guide to find out if your surgical instrument is oxidized or stained

Troubleshooting Stain Guide: Orange/Brown Stains - Most people think that when they see orange/brown stains that it's rust. When this stain color appears as a result of PH surface deposits, it is a result of any of the following: improper soaps and detergents, cold sterilization solution, possibly baked-on blood, soaking in saline or using laundry soap, Chlorhexidine usage,. Dark Brown/Black Stains - If it's a low PH usually under six, then its an acid stain. it may be caused by improper detergents and soaps and/or dried blood. Bluish Black Stains - When various metals are ultrasonically pushed together this is called reverse planting. What this means is when you have a stainless steel surgical instrument sets preced with chrome surgical instruments it will cause a stain color reaction. Exposure to saline, blood or potassium chloride will cause this bluish-black stain to occur. Multicolor Stains - Excessive heat by a localized "hot spot" in the processing cycle. Light and Dark Spots - When you allow forceps to air-dry. When the water that is left on the surgical instruments begins to air-dry then the minerals like sodium, calcium and magnesium are left on instrument's surface.