Loaner instruments should be decontaminated before which of the following actions?

Loaner instruments must be decontaminated before they are used to ensure patient safety and maintain infection control protocols. The primary purpose of decontamination is to remove any contaminants, including blood, bodily fluids, and microorganisms, that may be present on the instruments. If these instruments are introduced into a sterile field without proper decontamination, there is a significant risk of transmitting infections to patients, which can lead to serious complications.

Decontaminating before use aligns with best practices in Central Service and surgical environments, where maintaining a sterile environment is crucial. It ensures that any biological or chemical hazards are eliminated before the instruments come into contact with open wounds or sterile areas, thus protecting patient health.

While it is also necessary to decontaminate loaner instruments before sterilization and after transport, the critical step is ensuring their cleanliness and safety prior to their actual use in procedures.