What should be done to instruments that arrive in a soiled condition?

Instruments that arrive in a soiled condition require a decontamination process rather than immediate cleaning or sterilization. Decontamination is the initial step taken in reprocessing instruments, aimed at reducing the microbial load and making the instruments safe for handling, cleaning, and further processing.

Decontamination typically involves washing or soaking the instruments to remove organic material, blood, and other contaminants. This process prepares instruments for the subsequent cleaning phase, where they will be scrubbed free of remaining dirt and debris, followed by sterilization to ensure all pathogens are eliminated.

Direct sterilization of soiled instruments is not appropriate because sterilization is ineffective if the instruments aren't first properly cleaned and decontaminated. If instruments were sterilized without prior decontamination, any residual organic matter could shield bacteria from the sterilization process, rendering it ineffective.

Overall, addressing soiled instruments through decontamination first aligns with best practices in infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.