Micro Instruments magnetised

[Myrna]

Hi

For almost a month now, our Plastic Surgeons are complaning about their stainless steel micro instruments being magnetised. We were provided by our instrument supplier a demagnetiser but doesn't seem to work.
My question is - we have experienced this problem recently when we acquired our new microscope (Ziess) - which we haven't had experienced before with (Leica). I am just wondering if this has something to do with instruments being magnetised. I am aware of the fact that titanium micro instruments are better than stainless steel, but as I have already mentioned, this problem came up recently. :) What other factors do you know to have cause micro instruments particulary to be magnetised?

Is there a particular brand of demagnetiser you can suggest?

I would welcome any comments/advise.


Myrna

[sherwood]

Mryna, most anything containing steel can be magnetized. Steel instruments with plastic or rubber parts in hot, dry air can be magnetized ( static electricity ). Rubbing them against any cloth containing cotton or plastic can do the same thing. If they are put in cleaning equipment with a drying cycle and the equipment CASE is not completely grounded, that also could give a static charge or magnetize them. You can demagnetize most items by rinsing in cold water and a gentle wipe with a sterile, celluose ( paper ) towel.