What is the first step in the sterilization process?

The first step in the sterilization process is cleaning, which is essential for ensuring that instruments and devices are free from dirt, blood, and other contaminants before they undergo sterilization. Effective cleaning reduces the bioburden and prepares the items for the subsequent sterilization phase. If items are not properly cleaned, residual soil can interfere with the effectiveness of sterilization, potentially resulting in inadequate disinfection and increased risk of infection.

This initial cleaning step involves mechanical washing, ultrasonic cleaning, or manual scrubbing, depending on the type of instruments and their material compositions. After cleaning, items can be thoroughly rinsed and dried before moving on to packaging and sterilization, thereby ensuring that all contaminants are removed and that instruments are optimally prepared for the sterilization process.