FROM ADSON TO WEITLANER: A Guide to Surgical Instruments & How to Care for Them (Part 2)

Part 2: Care, Cleaning & Sterilisation

Proper care of surgical instruments is essential for preventing infection, maintaining performance, and protecting a significant financial investment for the practice.

This session focuses on the full instrument care pathway — from inspection and cleaning to packaging, sterilisation, and storage. We’ll explore the impact of biofilms, common causes of instrument damage, and how effective decontamination protocols reduce contamination risk.

A practical, step-by-step guide to maintaining instrument quality and ensuring safe, reliable use in clinical practice.

Louise Grieve

RVN

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Louise graduated from Glasgow University in 2003 with a degree in Zoology. After a few years, she started her veterinary nursing training whilst working in a small general practice in Glasgow. She qualified in 2009 and joined Vets Now Referral Hospital in Glasgow in 2011, where she spent 9 years as Senior Surgery Nurse. In 2016, she gained a distinction in her Advanced Veterinary Nursing Diploma. For the last 3 years, Louise has held the position of Learning and Development Team Leader at Veterinary Specialists Scotland. Having recently gained her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing in Teaching and Coaching, she enjoys supporting the nursing team with their professional development journeys, as well as helping them to identify and address training needs.