In some circumstances a particular surgical procedure will need to be undertaken on a group of animals – this is often referred to as batch surgery. Using the same set of instruments for the whole batch compromises aseptic technique. However, if a ‘no touch’ technique is employed (ensuring that the instrument tips alone come into contact with the animal) and the tips of the instruments are re-sterilised between each animal, major breaks in aseptic technique can be avoided.
Scalpel blades should be changed between animals as re-sterilising these blunts the blade. A hot bead steriliser is the most convenient and effective method of re-sterilising the instrument tips. It consists of a container of plastic beads that are heated up to a temperature sufficient to kill micro-organisms (and spores if a sufficient contact time with the hot beads is observed). It may be convenient to have two sets of instruments, so one set can be re-sterilized and then left to cool while the other set is in use. An assistant is essential to handle the animals, anaesthesia and assist the surgeon. If a breach in asepsis occurs, a new set of instruments should be used, and the surgeon should re-glove (and possibly re-gown). New drapes should be used for each animal.