Which process should occur immediately after instruments are used to minimize infection risks?

Pre-Cleaning is a critical process that should occur immediately after instruments are used to minimize infection risks because it involves removing visible debris and organic material from the instruments, such as blood, saliva, or tissue. This step is essential as it prepares the instruments for proper sterilization or disinfection by ensuring that the surfaces are clean enough for the next stages of processing. Effective pre-cleaning is crucial because any remaining organic matter could inhibit the effectiveness of subsequent sterilization or disinfection methods.

This process is typically conducted by rinsing or soaking the instruments in an appropriate solution, which helps to loosen and remove contaminants. Addressing this step promptly after use also helps prevent the drying of biological materials, which can make them more challenging to remove later and can harbor pathogens, increasing the risk of infection.

While sterilization and disinfection are vital components of the infection control process, they should only be performed after pre-cleaning has been completed to ensure the instruments can be effectively sanitized. Storage is an important final step that ensures instruments are kept in a clean, dry environment until they are needed, but it follows the cleaning and disinfection stages.