Prepare instruments for decontamination/sterilization.

Preparation should include following facility-specific protocol for

  • cleaning
  • decontaminating
  • packaging
  • sterilizing.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What is the difference between decontaminating and sterilizing instruments? Why are both procedures important?
  • How and why should instruments be inspected after decontamination and before sterilization?
  • Why should some instruments be reassembled after decontamination and others reassembled after sterilization?
  • What is a clean room? What role does it play in instrument sterilization?