Intention
			The instruments to be reprocessed for use in surgical operations and examinations on patients in medium-sized hospitals already represent a value of millions of Euro. By using suitable cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing procedures, damage as well as early wear and tear will be prevented. This will save costs for extensive repairs or premature replacements- an effective contribution to reducing costs in public health.
			The Arbeitskreis Instrumentenaufbereitung (working group instrument preparation) "AKI" was founded as early as 1976 by experts with comprehensive personal experience in the reprocessing of instruments in hospitals and medical practices. At that time, the founders of the AKI appointed a group of specialists, staff from the chemical and medical technology industry, to gather the know-how on the proper reprocessing and treatment of surgical instruments for all different branches of medicine. From the beginning, the focus was on preserving the value of the instruments through appropriate handling and care. In 2006 the AKI celebrated its 30th anniversary.
			In order to pass on this know-how to the customers, the brochure "A Guide to Proper Maintenance of Instruments" ("Red Brochure") was published for the first time in 1979. In its first edition, this leaflet dealt exclusively with the reprocessing of surgical instruments. Today, the 8th revised edition is available. New chapters have been included to cover the increasing complexity of instruments.
				Surgical instruments
				Rigid endoscopes
				Microsurgical instruments
				Flexible endoscopes
				Elastic instruments, respiratory systems and anaesthetic accessories
				Surgical motor systems
				MIC instruments
			The working situation in dental practices involves a number of specific risk factors which, in some cases, differ fundamentally from those of other medical disciplines. The AKI has therefore devoted its own brochure ("Yellow Brochure") to instrument reprocessing in dental practices.
			For the specific needs of instrument preparation in the veterinarian ambulance a "Green Brochure" has been added in 2005.