Key Points

• Instruments must be sterilised before they are used for aseptic surgery.
• Ideally, a separate set of sterilised instruments should be used for each animal.
• For batch surgery for rodents, an acceptable compromise is to sterilise the instrument tips using a hot bead steriliser.
• Instruments first need to be cleaned using a sterile brush, in sterile water, to avoid becoming clogged with organic material.
• Sterile water must be used, not saline for cleaning instruments before use of a hot-bead steriliser.
• The instrument tips are briefly placed into the hot-bead steriliser, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replace them on a sterile drape, ready for use on the next animal.
• Briefly immersing instruments in alcohol is NOT an effective means of sterilisation.