How to use - Website
How To use - nopa campus
1. FAQs - nopa - general
1.1 What is nopa's product range?
Our product portfolio covers the full range of reusable surgical instruments for all surgical disciplines, such as general surgery, ENT head/plastic surgery, arthroscopy, equipment/endoscopy, cystoscopy/hysteroscopy, podology, gynaecology, cardiovascular, dental and oral surgery, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, endoscopy, container and sterilization. Overall our portfolio contains 16,000 products.
1.2 How can you purchase instruments of nopa?
In general, nopa sells their products through authorized distributors. However, direct purchases may be possible in specific cases. This will be based on a separate agreement. Please contact our customer service.
1.3 Is nopa certified?
nopa was among one of the first companies in its segment to be certified in accordance with international standards and norms since 1995. For more details and to see all of our certifications, please request our special brochure Q+ (Quality Plus).
1.4 Does nopa have an order minimum?
There is no minimum order for accepted customer relations. We appreciate all opportunities to serve the needs of our customers. However, you should consider the costs such as those for international shipping, bank fees for money transfers, etc.
1.5 What kind of warranty does nopa provide?
We provide warranty according to the law. If you would like the warranty period extended, please contact our customer service for further information. Our quality warranty certificate provides detailed information on the scope of protection, defect notification, on how to make claims, etc. We are happy to provide you the certificate on request.
1.6 Is there a limitation on nopa’s warranty?
Yes, scope of protection of our quality warranty is limited to the product’s use as intended. It does not include wear and tear, incorrect use or external effects. What the warranty covers and does not cover is detailed in our quality warranty certificate.
1.7 What is nopa’s policy on return or exchange?
Satisfied customers are our top priority. If you are not fully satisfied with any of our products for any reason, please contact our customer service immediately. We promise to find a suitable solution for your needs. Usually, we accept return shipments or exchanges only, if the product is neither used, nor sterilized and still in its original package.
1.8 How can I become a nopa distributor in my country?
With its focus on international export, nopa is always interested in capable partners/distributors for all countries around the world. In case of interest, you may contact us at any time either through registration on our website or by contacting our customer service directly. You could expect our prompt reply.
2. FAQs - nopa - surgical
2.1 What kind/grade of stainless steel does nopa use for its instruments?
nopa uses exclusively high-grade steels (rustproof, stainless) to manufacture its surgical instruments. On request, nopa offers to its clients an overview, of which type of steel is used for each group of instruments. This chart includes among others important information such as DIN-Norm, composition of steel, hardness of material. Furthermore, material certificates for each item are available.
2.2 Does nopa offer complete surgical sets?
Recommending complete surgical sets, including sterilization containers and baskets, if required, is one of nopa’s core competences. For the past 35 years, nopa has gained a vast experience in the making of surgical instruments. This makes us an ideal partner. Many of our recommended sets are also included in our catalogues. You can find the sets in our product data base. Customized adaptations to the sets are easily possible. Please don’t hesitate to ask our customer service.
2.3 What can you do, if you cannot find a particular instrument?
Our website and our catalogues offer multiple search options. You can search for products by description, name, author, item no. . If you still cannot find an instrument, please don’t hesitate to ask our customer service for assistance.
2.4 What does TC/TUC or gold handle stand for?
TC respectively TUC stands for tungsten carbide. This is an extremely hard material (much harder than the regular stainless steel) and is used as inserts for example in scissors, needle holders or dressing forceps to make the working part of the instrument much more durable giving it an improved performance and an extended lifetime. For easy identification, all nopa instruments with TUC inserts have a golden handle.
2.5 What does SC stand for?
SC stands for Super Cut for nopa scissors. These SC scissors have one micro serrated blade, while the cut of the opposite side blade is sharpened in a special way. The combination of both makes the cut of the scissors very smooth and razor-like.
In future, we will no longer use black chrome coating for our “SuperCut“ Scissors. These scissors will be delivered with the following characteristics :
Tungsten Carbide : 1 golden ring handle (as usual) / 1 polished ring handle (instead of the black one)
Other scissors : 1 sandblasted ring handle (instead of black)
If you would like to order our absolute top quality high-end scissors, you can combine the SC scissors with a TUC insert. Such scissors are indicated by a golden and a black ring.
2.6 Are same instruments consistent in model?
Due to the fact, that the main parts of surgical instruments are still "handcrafted", it can lead to some minor variations in the appearance of instruments. Particularly from one manufacturing lot to another, such small deviations may be present; however, they do not influence in any way the function of the instrument.
2.7 Are nopa instruments passivated?
Yes, all nopa instruments are delivered passivated. Passivation is an additional treatment to the surface of instruments after final finishing. The use of special passivation fluid and ultrasonic bath provides an additional layer of protection on the surface of the instrument to prevent corrosion and rust.
2.8 Does nopa offer customized instruments?
With a portfolio of more than 16,000 different products, nopa already offers a huge variety of instruments, which generally cover all needs. However, if you need any modification, please contact our customer service, who will check the feasibility of manufacturing such customized product.
2.9 Does nopa offer private labelling/OEM?
For sure, nopa is one of the most experienced companies in its industry, offering private labelling. Since the very beginning of its business, nopa has offered private labelling/OEM in addition to focusing on promoting its own brand. Thus, we are very experienced in this field and have been so for a long time. We have organized our order process as to mark or label all products only after we have received a customer order. Consequently, we store all our products unmarked and unlabelled in our stock room, which gives us utmost flexibility to fulfil our client’s needs.
2.10 How to cross-reference a competitor’s item number to a nopa item number?
On our website, you can fill in catalogue numbers of competitors and the system will automatically refer to and show the corresponding nopa item number. Thousands of such cross-references are available in the system; however, should you ever be unable to find what you are looking for, just contact our customer service for further assistance.
2.11 Are nopa processes validated?
As a CE certified company, nopa is able to declare EC conformity for its reusable surgical instruments. In addition, it can provide validation certificates for its production processes along with analyses and studies of renowned university hospital in Germany.
3. FAQs - nopa - maintenance, cleaning and sterilization
3.1 Are nopa reprocessing manuals available/how can I get them?
Detailed instructions for use for surgical instruments and containers are available for download on our website. This manual describes in detail how to reprocess and maintain our products. Furthermore, a paper copy of the manual is enclosed with each shipment sent by nopa.
3.2 What does CSSD stand for?
CSSD is an acronym for Central Sterilization Service Department, sometimes also abbreviated CSD. This important department within the hospital organization is generally responsible for cleaning, sterilizing and maintaining all instruments used in the operating theatre.
3.3 Can you use different kinds of sterilization procedures?
Yes, indeed, there are many different options, how to sterilize an instrument. The two main categories can be split into a) physical sterilization methods and b) chemical sterilization methods. nopa’s instructions for use describe in detail the different methods within each category. The internationally recognized standard method is the physical method, which is the steam sterilization by fractionated vacuum at a defined working temperature . This is also, what nopa recommends.
3.4 What kind of sterilization is suitable for nopa instruments?
Any sterilization method, mentioned in our instructions for use, is suitable for nopa surgical instruments. However, we strongly recommend steam sterilization by fractionated vacuum at a defined working temperature.
3.5 How and why should I clean nopa instruments before sterilization?
It is mandatory to clean instruments properly prior to sterilisation. Any surgery could leave residues on the instruments such as blood, bone, skin, or tissue. These residues must be removed from the instruments before sterilization. Otherwise; they could cause damage to the instrument. The instruments can be cleaned manually (brush), by machine or ultrasound. If possible, instruments should be disassembled or at least cleaned in their open stage. Please refer to the instruction for use.
3.6 Why should I clean (and sterilize) instruments before first use?
Even brand new and unused instruments need to be cleaned and rinsed thoroughly before sterilization. There might be residues on the instrument from manufacturing, packaging or handling. That is why cleaning before sterilization is highly recommended for brand new instruments. Please refer to the instruction for use.
3.7 Does an instrument need special care?
Before any use, instruments need to be checked and examined for cracks, breaks or any corrosion. Moving parts and working tips need to be checked, too. Instruments with joints need to be lubricated. This will reduce friction and keep the action of the instrument light, delicate and smooth. Furthermore, it extends the lifetime of the instrument. Please refer to the instruction for use.
3.8 Could instruments with moving parts become stiff after reprocessing?
During reprocessing procedures, lubricants are generally removed from instruments. Therefore, instruments with moving parts could become stiff in their action and need to be lubricated regularly before sterilization.
3.9 What can I do, if spots or stains appear on the surface of instruments?
Sometimes spots or stains may appear on the surface of a surgical instrument. Such spots and stains could be removed by rubbing over these areas with an eraser. If the steel underneath becomes completely clean and smooth, the stain was successfully removed. If a pit mark remains under these areas after erasing, it may be rust and you should contact our customer service for further information.
3.10 Do nopa instruments require special storage?
nopa instruments should be stored in a clean, dry and moisture free area. It is best to store the instruments individually in their shipping carton or in a protective tray with partitions. Protect tips and edges by suitable means and make sure that no chemicals are close to or in the storage area. Please get in contact with us for the instruction for use.
3.11 Is there a difference between reprocessing instruments made from stainless steel compared to those made from aluminium?
Yes, there is a significant difference in cleaning and reprocessing of instruments made from stainless steel or from aluminium. To avoid damages to aluminium instruments only non-alkaline, neutral cleaning agents may be used in combination with fully demineralized water.
Please get in contact with us for the instruction for use.
More downloads to be found here downloads
3.12 What is the difference between the safety lid, the perforated and non-perforated lid?
The safety lid can be used in combination with the perforated lid if the container is not placed in a protected room after sterilization in order to ensure that the filter cannot be damaged or exposed to moisture.
The perforated lid is used commonly in daily sterilization circles.
The non-perforated lid is used if the container serves as a disposal container.
3.13 Are the security seals just spares or do they need to be ordered with each container?
Security seals can be used optionally as an indication that the container has not been opened.
They can be ordered separately and are single use products as they get destroyed when containers are opened.
3.14 In which situation is a perforated bottom used?
The perforated bottom is used when the gravitational sterilization method is applied.
For this method, the bottom and the lid must be perforated.
3.15 Do all baskets have to have a wire lid?
No, the wire lid is optional and available for almost all baskets.
3.16 How are the aluminium labels inscribed?
The aluminium labels are inscribed by laser.
3.17 Additional information
Please get in contact with us for the instruction for use.
More downloads to be found here downloads