W&H's reprocessing instructions for the Alegra line follow the ISO 17664 standard for medical device processing, which means the steps below aren't general best practice; they're the specific, validated sequence W&H tested this handpiece against. Every instruction here comes directly from that documentation.

Before You Start: What the Instructions Require

W&H's own Instructions for Use are specific about handling and protective equipment before reprocessing even begins.

Requirement	Detail
Protective equipment	Protective clothing, safety glasses, face mask, and gloves
Cleaning agents	Detergents intended specifically for medical devices made of metal and plastic
Standard followed	ISO 17664 compliant reprocessing procedure
Drying air	Oil-free, filtered compressed air, maximum 3 bar (43.5 psi)

VERIFIED, LUBRICATE BEFORE STERILIZING, NOT AFTER
W&H's documented sequence is specific: lubricate the dry medical device immediately after cleaning and disinfection, then sterilize following cleaning, disinfection, and lubrication. Lubrication happens between disinfection and sterilization, not before cleaning, and not after the autoclave cycle.

The Reprocessing Sequence, Step by Step

1	Clean and disinfect immediately after use. Follow the cleaning agent manufacturer's instructions, using only detergents intended for metal-and-plastic medical devices.

2	Dry the handpiece completely. Use oil-free, filtered compressed air at a maximum of 3 bar (43.5 psi); never exceed this pressure for manual drying.

3	Inspect before lubricating. Check for damage, visible residual soiling, and surface changes. Reprocess again if any soiling remains.

4	Lubricate with W&H Service Oil F1. Insert the spray clip, hold firmly, and spray for approximately 1 second; this is the documented duration, not an estimate.

5	Package for sterilization. Use a sterilization package that meets applicable quality and use standards, sized so the pack doesn't stress the seals.

6	Sterilize using a validated cycle. 134°C (273°F) for at least 3 minutes, or 132°C (270°F) for at least 4 minutes, using a dynamic-air-removal prevacuum (type B) or steam-flush pressure-pulse (type S) cycle.

Sterilization Standards Referenced

W&H recommends sterilization according to EN 13060, EN 285, or ANSI/AAMI ST55. These aren't arbitrary references; they're the specific standards the Alegra's reprocessing validation was tested against.

Cycle Type	Time and Temperature
Dynamic-air-removal prevacuum (Type B)	134°C (273°F) for at least 3 minutes
Steam-flush pressure-pulse (Type S)	132°C (270°F) for at least 4 minutes

Using Assistina for Automated Maintenance

W&H's Assistina Twin and Assistina One devices are built specifically to automate this reprocessing sequence: oil service plus internal and external cleaning ahead of sterilization. For practices running a high volume of turbine handpieces, this reduces the chance of a step in the manual sequence being rushed or skipped. Print Shipping Label

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Weekly and Periodic Care

Confirm operating pressure stays within the documented 2.2–2.8 bar range rather than only checking when performance drops.
Inspect the Roto Quick coupling (LQ models) for wear, since the light generator is built into the coupling rather than the handpiece.
Check bur retention regularly to catch chuck wear before it becomes a mid-procedure issue.

Storage Between Uses

Store the handpiece in its sterilization packaging until the next use rather than leaving it exposed.
Keep steel-bearing (TE-95) and ceramic-bearing (TE-97/TE-98 LQ) models clearly identified if your practice runs both.

Mistakes That Shorten Handpiece Life

Lubricating at the wrong point in the sequence. W&H's documented order is clean, disinfect, dry, lubricate, then sterilize not the reverse.
Exceeding 3 bar during manual drying. This is a stated maximum, not a rough guideline.
Sterilizing while still soiled. W&H's instructions specifically call for reprocessing again if any residual soiling is found on inspection.
Using a general-purpose detergent. W&H specifies detergents intended for medical devices made of metal and plastic.
Running pressure outside 2.2–2.8 bar. Both under- and over-pressurizing affect performance and long-term wear.

Extending the Life of Your W&H Alegra

The Alegra's ceramic bearings are built for a long service life, but W&H is explicit that this depends on “optimized care and maintenance procedures” the sequence above is what that actually means in practice. For the warning signs that show up when this routine slips, see our companion piece, the W&H Alegra Common Problems & Troubleshooting Guide, and our general dental handpiece repair and maintenance service overview.

What Practices Are Saying

“Getting the lubrication step in the right order in our sterilization checklist made a bigger difference than we expected — fewer turbine complaints across the board.” — Sterilization Lead, Group Dental Practice

“Switching to Assistina for our Alegra handpieces took the guesswork out of whether every step actually got done.” — Practice Manager, Multi-Chair Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Q When should the Alegra be lubricated?

A Immediately after cleaning and disinfection, while the handpiece is dry and before sterilization, not after.

Q What sterilization cycle does W&H recommend?

A 134°C (273°F) for at least 3 minutes using a type B prevacuum cycle, or 132°C (270°F) for at least 4 minutes using a type S steam-flush cycle, per EN 13060, EN 285, or ANSI/AAMI ST55.

Q What pressure is safe for manually drying the handpiece?

A W&H specifies oil-free, filtered compressed air at a maximum of 3 bar (43.5 psi). This is a stated ceiling, not a rough estimate.

Q Does Assistina replace manual reprocessing?

A It automates the oil service and internal/external cleaning steps, but you should still follow the Assistina Instructions for Use alongside W&H's Alegra reprocessing guidance.

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W&H Alegra Turbine Handpiece Maintenance Guide