Endoscopes and surgical instruments are high-value precision devices. How long they last depends less on the quality of the product itself than on how they are cared for day to day. In our repair practice, a large share of the failures we see - bent shafts, fluid ingress into the optical system, worn instrument channels, stiff joints - result not from aging equipment but from lapses in handling and maintenance. Proper care does more than cut repair costs and extend service life; it is a basic requirement for patient safety. This guide covers the essentials of instrument upkeep in five areas: cleaning, disinfection and sterilization, drying, rust prevention, and storage.

Cleaning: The First Line of Defense

Two principles matter most in cleaning: do it promptly, and do it thoroughly.

Pre-clean without delay. After use, blood, tissue fluids, and mucus begin to dry on instrument surfaces and inside lumens. Once dried, organic residue becomes extremely difficult to remove and provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Instruments should be rinsed as soon as possible after use to remove visible contamination before it sets.

Use dedicated cleaning agents. Enzymatic cleaners are recommended, as the enzymes effectively break down proteins, fats, and other organic matter - far more effectively than general-purpose detergents. Pay special attention to lumens, joints, and jaws, where contamination concentrates; use lumen brushes for mechanical cleaning where needed.

Finish with a proper rinse. After cleaning, rinse instruments with deionized or softened water to minimize residue from minerals and impurities left by tap water. This matters especially for endoscopes: scale deposited on lens surfaces or optical fiber end faces directly degrades image clarity.

Disinfection and Sterilization: Choose the Right Method

Disinfection and sterilization are central to infection control, but instruments differ widely in their tolerance to sterilization methods. Choosing the wrong method can cause irreversible damage.

Flexible endoscopes. Most flexible endoscopes are heat-sensitive and should be processed using low-temperature methods such as ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization, strictly following the manufacturer's recommended parameters. Never place heat-sensitive flexible scopes in a steam sterilizer - high temperatures will age the insertion tube, destroy seals, and damage the optical system.

Rigid endoscopes and metal instruments. Rigid scopes and metal instruments that tolerate steam sterilization must be processed according to the sterilizer's operating procedure. Before sterilization, instruments must be completely dry; residual moisture can leave water stains or accelerate rusting under high heat.

Whichever method is used, sterilization parameters should be verified and recorded regularly so the process remains traceable.

Drying: The Most Overlooked Step

Insufficient drying is a major cause of rusting on metal instruments and fluid ingress in endoscopes.

After cleaning or sterilization, metal instruments should be dried completely with a clean, dry cloth or a forced-air dryer, with special attention to hinges, joints, locks, and lumens where water tends to collect. A lingering film of moisture sustains the conditions for rust.

Endoscope exteriors can be wiped dry with a soft cloth; lumens should be dried with compressed air or dedicated drying equipment to ensure no liquid remains inside the scope or its channels.

Never store instruments before they are fully dry. Residual moisture kept in a closed storage environment accelerates metal corrosion and the aging of optical components.

Rust Prevention and Lubrication: Routine Care for Metal Instruments

For stainless steel instruments and rigid endoscope shafts, rust prevention should be part of regular upkeep.

Instruments kept out of service for long periods can be treated with a medical-grade rust inhibitor or protective oil to form a barrier layer on the surface.

Jointed instruments - biopsy forceps, needle holders, straightening forceps, and the like - should be lubricated periodically with a medical-grade lubricant applied to the joints to keep them moving smoothly and prevent stiffness and wear. Choose a lubricant compatible with your sterilization method so the process is not compromised.

During storage, prevent instruments from knocking against or pressing on one another; scratches on the surface compromise the protective layer and invite rust.

Storage: A Safe Environment Between Uses

Storage conditions determine the state of instruments while they are not in use.

Store instruments in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from moisture sources such as sinks and steam sterilizers.
Rigid endoscopes and delicate instruments should be kept in dedicated protective cases or on hangers, so shafts are not compressed or bumped. Flexible endoscopes should be coiled and stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, with a bending radius no smaller than the specified value, to prevent damage to the optical fibers.
Moisture-absorbing packets can be placed in containers to control humidity; where ambient humidity stays high, use a dehumidifier in the storage area.
Instruments should be organized by category with clear labeling, and used instruments kept separate from those ready for use.

Daily Handling: Habits That Extend Service Life

Beyond maintenance, how instruments are used has a major impact on how long they last:

Handle instruments gently during procedures, avoiding excessive force and over-bending, especially slender endoscope shafts.
Before inserting instruments through the instrument channel, confirm the instrument size matches the channel; never force oversized instruments through.
Avoid direct impact between instruments and hard materials (such as stones or bone) at the channel tip.
Return instruments to the processing area promptly after use; do not leave them exposed to the contaminated environment.
Assign clear responsibility for instrument handling so that maintenance awareness becomes part of everyday practice.

Routine Inspection: Catching Problems Early

A periodic inspection system is recommended, with designated staff checking instruments on a regular basis for:

Bending, denting, or cracks in the shaft;
Image clarity of the optical system, and any signs of fluid ingress or mold;
Patency of the instrument channel, and any wear or splitting;
Smooth joint movement and precise jaw closure;
Surface rust or damage to the protective layer.

When problems are found, address them early: minor issues can often be resolved through maintenance measures, while anything affecting the optical system, structural integrity, or functional precision should be sent to a professional repair service before a small problem becomes a major failure.

Conclusion

Caring for endoscopes and surgical instruments is a routine, systematic job. It comes down to seven steps: clean promptly, sterilize correctly, dry thoroughly, prevent rust, store properly, handle with care, and inspect regularly. Getting these right significantly extends the service life of your instruments, lowers total cost of ownership, and provides the basic assurance every procedure depends on.

If you encounter a fault that is difficult to diagnose, or need professional testing and repair services, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to provide professional assessment and repair solutions.