Which statement is NOT true about mechanical washers?

The statement that is not true about mechanical washers is that all items should be washed on the same cycle. This is incorrect because different types of instruments and materials may require specific washing cycles to ensure effective cleaning without damaging them. For instance, delicate instruments might need a gentler cycle, whereas heavily soiled instruments may require a more robust washing approach.

In contrast, mechanical washers do indeed require a rinse cycle to thoroughly remove detergent and debris, and they typically include a drying phase to ensure that instruments do not remain wet, which can promote microbial growth. Additionally, mechanical washers are designed to clean a variety of instruments, catering to the diverse needs of sterilization processes in the sterile processing department. Thus, it is crucial to customize washing cycles based on the specific requirements of the items being processed to maintain their integrity and functionality.