10-144 C.M.R. ch. 212, § 4 - CARE OF INSTRUMENTS

A. Needles.

1. The needles shall be cleansed to remove debris after each use, and before being sterilized.

2. The needles shall be sterilized after each use.

3. The sterilized needles shall be stored in a covered container containing 70% alcohol or other antiseptic solution.

4. The screw cap shall be sanitized in 70% alcohol or other antiseptic solution and stored in a clean covered container.

5. The needle holder shall be wiped with antiseptic solution after each use.

6. New reusable needles must be cleansed and sterilized before their first use.

7. Single use needles shall not be reused.

B. Forceps.

1. The forceps shall be washed in warm water to remove debris. Alternative methods may be used to clean debris from forceps if approved by the department.

2. The forceps shall be sterilized after each use.

3. The sterilized forceps shall be stored in a clean dry covered container.

C. Epilators. Epilators shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules or ordinances.

D. Sterilization. Cleaned instruments shall be sterilized by one of the following methods: (1) dry heat or (2) steam under pressure (autoclave).

1. Dry heat ovens and autoclaves should be approved by the FDA and shall be cleaned, used, and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Sterilizers should have visible physical indicators such as thermometers and timers.

Notes

10-144 C.M.R. ch. 212, § 4