Inkclaw Wireless Tattoo Battery Grip Cold Sterilization Process

After each use, disassemble the grip and remove all contaminated barriers. Dispose of needles in an approved sharps container. Wipe all external surfaces thoroughly with a medical-grade disinfectant. Clean the inner tube with a disinfectant-saturated cotton swab, then pass a disinfectant wipe through the tube until clean. Move the device to a clean area, change gloves, and perform a final wipe-down. Allow all parts to dry completely, then remove chemical residue with an alcohol wipe if required. If not reused the same day, store the grip in a sterile pouch.

Warning: Do not autoclave the electronic battery unit. Only detachable metal parts verified as autoclavable may be steam sterilized. Cold sterilization does not eliminate bacterial spores. Do not use excessively saturated wipes, as liquid ingress may cause a short circuit and damage internal electronic components.

Required items: medical-grade disinfectant or disinfectant wipes, cotton swabs, alcohol wipes, gloves, sterile pouches, and an approved sharps container.

Cold Sterilization SOP — Battery Grip (Non-autoclavable electronics)

Purpose & Scope
Chemical (“cold”) sterilization/high-level disinfection of the battery grip after every session. This process is for moisture-resistant external parts and internal lumens; it does not destroy bacterial spores—use an autoclave for any detachable, autoclavable metal parts. Never autoclave electronics.

PPE & Setup

• Gloves, eye protection, mask/respirator; work in a ventilated area.
• Two zones: Contaminated (disassembly/cleaning) and Clean (final wipe, drying, bagging).
• Use a hospital-grade disinfectant/sterilant approved for medical devices; follow the manufacturer’s wet contact time (kill time). Do not mix chemicals.

Procedure

1. Pre-clean
• Power off; remove and discard barriers.
• Dispose of sharps immediately in a sharps container.
• Gross-clean surfaces with disposable towels moistened with detergent or the chosen disinfectant.
2. Disassemble
• Separate the grip tip and inner tubing/lumen pieces (if removable). Keep the battery/electronic module away from liquid.
3. Internal Lumen
• Saturate a swab or pull-through wipe with chemical; thoroughly wet the lumen walls for at least the full contact time (≥3 minutes is a practical minimum).
• Repeat with a fresh saturated wipe until no soil remains.
4. External Surfaces
• Heavily saturate wipes; keep surfaces visibly wet for the entire contact time (buttons, seams, display window, couplers).
• Do not immerse electronics. Avoid liquid ingress into ports.
5. Autoclavable Parts (if applicable)
• Metal grip tips/inner tubes that are rated autoclavable may be steam-sterilized per their IFU. Dry and cool before reassembly.
6. Final Clean Zone
• Change to fresh gloves.
• Perform a final saturated wipe (full contact time), then remove chemical residue with 70% IPA or sterile water on a lint-free wipe (per chemical IFU).
• Air-dry or pat dry; re-assemble only when fully dry.
7. Packaging & Records
• If not used again the same day, place in sterile pouches; label date/time/operator/chemical & lot. Maintain a log of contact times and batch numbers.

Quality & Safety Notes

• Replace wipes/solutions when visibly soiled or when manufacturer shelf-life expires.
• If pitting, discoloration, or tackiness appears, stop and switch to a compatible chemistry.
• Train staff on contact times, spill response, and electrical-safety precautions.

Reminder
Cold sterilization/high-level disinfection controls pathogens on the grip assembly and lumen surfaces. For spore kill, only validated steam sterilization of non-electronic parts applies. For the full device, rely on meticulous barrier use, correct chemical contact times, and strict two-zone handling to minimize cross-contamination.