When cleaning, avoid using abrasive materials. Instead use soft cloths, cotton tip applicators, a soft tooth or scrub brush. This will protect the scope or instrument surface from scratches. Brushes of various lengths and diameters can aid in cleaning the lumen of sheaths, instrument channels and stopcocks. Residual moisture will promote corrosion, therefore thorough drying before reassemble, sterilization and storage is essential.
Corrosion is a common cause of instrument malfunction.
Although manufacturing defects are frequently blamed for corrosion, the belief that stainless steel instruments will not stain or corrode is a more prevalent cause. Contrary to this belief, stainless steel does spot and stain. Check your instruction manual to determine which parts to lubricate. Instruments that are terminally disinfected at the end of the day should be rinsed with demineralized water, dried thoroughly, and stored in protective containers. These general principals will help you properly care and maintain your institution's endoscopes and endoscopic instruments.