Remember, ASICO offers a complete repair and replacement service for all types of
surgical instruments, regardless of manufacturer. Call for details: 1-800-628-2879
| COLOR OF STAIN | CAUSE | HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS OR REMOVE STAINS |
|---|---|---|
| Brown-orange | Phosphate deposits –Detergent may be leaving residue Rust in water used in autoclave* |
Use a neutral detergent Rinse instruments thoroughly Use distilled water |
| Dark brown | Dried blood | Clean instrument thoroughly before sterilizing |
| Purple-black | Detergent contains ammonia | Rinse instruments thoroughly. Avoid detergents with ammonia. |
| Blue-black | Dissimilar metals being autoclaved together | Separate instruments by metal type before sterilization, especially titanium and stainless steel. |
| Black stains | Acid reaction | Can be removed with a pencil eraser. To avoid, use a neutral detergent and rinse thoroughly. |
| *To quickly determine if it is rust, take a pencil eraser and rub the stain. If the stain is removed, the cause is not rust. |
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