What is the correct sequence of events to be followed during decontamination of instruments before sterilization?

The correct sequence for decontaminating instruments before sterilization is vital to ensure that all biological and other contaminants are effectively removed to allow for proper sterilization. The selected answer outlines the process accurately.

Beginning with debridement, this stage involves the removal of gross debris, such as blood and tissue, from the instruments. This is crucial because any remaining organic material can obstruct the effectiveness of the sterilization process. Next is the inspection phase, where each instrument is closely examined for any damage or residual debris that may have been missed. This step is essential to ensure that all instruments are in proper working condition and free of contaminants that could interfere with their functioning during procedures or their safety.

The rinse step follows, where instruments are thoroughly rinsed under water to remove any remaining detergent and loosened debris. This step is essential, as it prepares the instruments for the scrubbing phase. Finally, scrubbing comes last, where an appropriate brush or scrubber is used to clean the instruments more intensively, ensuring that all surfaces are free from contaminants.

This logical sequence—debride, inspect, rinse, and scrub—follows the principle of moving from gross contamination down to finer cleaning to achieve maximum cleanliness and prepare the instruments for the subsequent sterilization