What is the purpose of using an ultrasonic cleaner in sterile processing?

The purpose of using an ultrasonic cleaner in sterile processing is to remove debris and contaminants from instruments. This specialized piece of equipment utilizes high-frequency sound waves that create millions of tiny bubbles in a cleaning solution. These bubbles collapse rapidly, producing powerful microscopic implosions that dislodge dirt, blood, tissue, and other contaminants from the surfaces of instruments, even in hard-to-reach areas.

This cleaning process is essential because any remaining debris can interfere with the disinfection or sterilization processes that follow. While other methods of cleaning may not be able to effectively remove all types of soils, ultrasonic cleaning provides a thorough and gentle means of ensuring that instruments are clean before being processed for sterilization.