A sterilization standard your whole team can follow.
Clean Flow is the sterilization workflow built around DriRak. Every item moves in one direction, from dirty to clean, through the same numbered steps no matter who is working, with utility gloves on throughout.
When the workflow varies, gaps follow.
When every team member processes instruments a little differently, gaps appear: gloves come off to sort a pile, damp instruments get pouched, a cassette gets stacked wet. Clean Flow replaces habit with one written sequence, so the safe way is also the routine way.
Safer hands
CDC guidance calls for puncture resistant utility gloves whenever contaminated instruments are handled. Clean Flow is designed so those gloves can stay on, because no step requires sorting sharp tips by hand.
Clean and dry before packaging
Instruments must be clean and completely dry before they are pouched or wrapped. Moisture left in a package and debris left on an instrument can both compromise sterilization, so every track ends with a confirmed dry step.
The same every time
A posted, numbered sequence means a new hire and a 20 year veteran follow the same steps. That consistency is easier to train, easier to check, and easier to document.
Four rules behind every step.
One direction only
Items move from dirty to clean and never back. Receiving, cleaning, packaging, sterilizing, and storage each have their own place.
Protective gear on
Utility gloves, eye protection or a face shield, a mask, and protective clothing. Contaminated gloves stay off clean side surfaces.
Follow the IFU
Every device, cleaner, and sterilizer comes with instructions for use. Clean Flow organizes the work; the IFU sets the specifics.
Verify, then trust
Indicators on every package, recorded cycle results, and routine spore testing confirm the process is working.
Gear up first.
Put on protective equipment before you handle anything from the dirty side, and take it off before you touch clean side surfaces.
Goggles or safety glasses
Keep splashes and spatter out of your eyes while cleaning.
Face shield
Covers the whole face when splashing is likely. Wear it with a mask.
Mask
Covers the nose and mouth from splashes and spatter.
Heavy utility gloves
Puncture resistant gloves for contaminated instruments. Exam gloves are not a substitute.
Gown or apron
A fluid resistant gown or apron keeps splashes off your clothing and skin.
Receive and preclean
Everything arrives on the dirty side. If not processing immediately or using a pre-soak, apply a compatible enzymatic foam to break down debris, following the label dwell time. For handpieces, use foam only where the handpiece and cleaner instructions allow it. Set your practice's time limit from your cleaner's instructions.
Why it matters: debris that dries onto instruments is much harder to remove, and anything left behind can shield microorganisms during sterilization. Keeping soil moist until cleaning makes the next step more effective.
Three tracks, one finish.
Loose instruments, cassettes, and handpieces need different handling. Each track is built around its own DriRak rack.
Loose instruments
- 1Separate by metalKeep dissimilar metals apart and basket small parts.
- 2Ultrasonic and rinseOpen hinged instruments, run the specified cycle, then rinse away solution and debris.
- 3Drain on DriRak InstrumentTransfer the set to the rack. Never hand sort sharp tips.
- 4Dry completelyAir dry or use short bursts of can or compressed air for quick drying; one can will dry dozens of sets. Confirm dry before pouching.
Why it matters: sorting a wet pile by hand puts fingers right next to exposed sharp tips. DriRak's sloped stainless and raised rails align the set as it drains, holding tips up off the metal so instruments stay apart and air reaches every surface.
Cassettes
- 1Ultrasonic and rinseKeep instruments contained, run the specified cycle, then rinse.
- 2Stand uprightUse the individual DriRak Cassette slots. Never stack wet cassettes.
- 3Dry completelyAir dry or use short bursts of can or compressed air for quick drying; one can will dry dozens of sets; confirm dry before wrapping.
Why it matters: cassettes stacked flat trap water between them and dry unevenly. Standing each one in its own slot keeps cassettes apart and open to air on both faces, before wrapping and again on the clean side after sterilization.
Handpieces
- 1Clean as directedFollow the handpiece instructions for internal and external cleaning.
- 2Lubricate if requiredUse the specified oil, method and frequency. Never oil oil free components.
- 3Place head down on DriRak Handpiece to allow oil to drain through head for maximum lubricationThe tray holds non oiled parts for organization and tracking of small parts.
- 4Wipe before baggingWipe off excess oil with a compatible handpiece wipe, then pouch.
Why it matters: handpieces skip the ultrasonic and follow their maker's instructions instead. Standing them head down after lubrication lets excess oil drain away from the handpiece, and a final wipe keeps oil out of the pouch.
Clean and dry, then package and sterilize.
Whichever track an item took, it finishes the same way.
Inspect, lubricate, package
- Check for debris and damage
- Reclean anything soiled; remove damaged items
- Lubricate hinged instruments per the maker's instructions
- Pouch or wrap with hinges open and internal and external indicators
- Seal and label each package
Heat sterilize
- Use the validated cycle
- Do not overload the chamber
- Check and record time, temperature, and pressure
- Record chemical indicator results for every load
Cool and store
- Complete the drying cycle
- Cool packs before handling
- Use a separate clean side cassette rack
- Store intact, dry packs in closed storage
Never. Here is why.
Each of these costs an injury, an instrument, or a sterile load.
Hand sort sharp tips
Sorting a wet pile puts fingers beside exposed sharp tips. Let the rails align the set.
Stack wet cassettes
Trapped water dries slowly and unevenly. Stand each cassette upright in its own slot.
Mix dissimilar metals
Different metals in contact can stain and corrode instruments. Keep them apart when cleaning and packaging.
Package damp items
Moisture left in a package can compromise sterilization. Dry completely, then pouch or wrap.
Soak overnight or in stain remover
Long soaks and stain removers can discolor and corrode instruments. Follow your cleaner's instructions for soak times.
Use anything but Thymox on the rack
Other cleaners and disinfectants are not approved for DriRak, and damage from them is not covered by the warranty.
The Clean Flow rhythm.
Checks on every load, every day, and every week prove the process is working.
- Record time, temperature, and pressure
- Read the chemical indicators
- Let the drying cycle finish. Never handle a wet pack
- Log the load so items can be traced if a test fails
- Change ultrasonic solution on the maker's schedule, and whenever it looks cloudy
- Run the daily sterilizer checks the maker requires
- End of day rack care: clean the rack first, then spray with the included Thymox and keep it wet for the label contact time
Thymox is the only disinfectant specified for DriRak, and the warranty depends on using it.
- Run a spore test with a matching control, and log the results
- Test every load that contains an implantable device
- Run the ultrasonic foil or cavitation test on the unit maker's schedule (weekly in this workflow)
Put the standard on the wall.
The Clean Flow poster puts every step on one printable page, so the sequence is in front of your team at the moment they need it. You get a waterproof copy to post in Sterilization with every order.
Common questions.
Does DriRak sterilize instruments?
No. DriRak supports draining and drying during processing. Sterilization happens in your validated heat sterilizer, and it is confirmed with indicators and spore testing.
Does Clean Flow replace our infection control program?
No. Clean Flow organizes the instrument processing steps around DriRak. It works inside your existing program, your state regulations, and the instructions for use for every device and product you use.
What is Clean Flow based on?
Clean Flow follows CDC guidance for infection control in dental settings, including the use of utility gloves, cleaning before sterilization, packaging only clean and dry items, chemical indicators on every package, and routine spore testing.
Can we follow Clean Flow with only one type of rack?
Yes. Use the track that matches how your practice processes instruments. Practices that use both loose instruments and cassettes can run Track A and Track B side by side.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings, 2003.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care, 2016.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030.
Bring Clean Flow to your practice.
Every DriRak rack includes the enclosed water tray, a reusable silicone mat, a mini waterproof Clean Flow poster, and a bottle of Thymox.
Shop DriRakDriRak supports draining and drying. It does not sterilize. Always follow each product's instructions for use.