After lubrication, what is the next step to be performed by the technician?

After lubrication, the next step is to allow the items to air dry at room temperature. This is crucial because allowing the instruments to dry properly ensures that any residual moisture or lubricant evaporates, which not only helps maintain the effectiveness of the lubricant but also prepares the instruments for the next steps in the cleaning or sterilization process. Proper drying is essential to prevent any moisture that could potentially interfere with the sterilization process or lead to corrosion.

In contrast, options such as thorough rinsing or wiping off the lubricant would disrupt the lubrication process, as rinsing could remove the lubricant entirely, and wiping it off may leave the instruments unprotected and less effective in their functioning. Sterilization should only occur after proper cleaning, inspection, and drying of the instruments to ensure that they are free from contaminants and moisture that could alter the effectiveness of the sterilization process.