How should instruments be treated after each use?

Instruments used in medical or dental practices must be properly sanitized to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. The correct approach is to thoroughly cleanse them with soap and water after each use. This step is crucial because washing removes blood, tissue, and other contaminants from the instruments, which is a necessary prerequisite before any sterilization process can take place.

Cleansing with soap and water not only helps to physically remove debris but also prepares the instruments for further disinfection or sterilization methods that would follow, such as autoclaving. This thorough cleaning is essential for the effectiveness of any subsequent sterilization efforts because organic material can inhibit the ability of sterilization agents to work effectively.

In contrast, simply rinsing with water would not adequately remove all contaminants, and putting instruments directly in a sterilizer without cleaning first undermines the sterilization process by allowing dirt and organic matter to remain on the instruments. Wiping with a paper towel is also insufficient, as it may not effectively remove all debris and contamination. Therefore, the best practice is to thoroughly clean instruments with soap and water after each use.