What is essential to do with instruments before placing them in a sterilizer?

Before placing instruments in a sterilizer, it is essential to ensure they are free from soil. This is critical because effective sterilization relies on the elimination of all organic material, bioburden, and contaminants from the instruments. Soil may harbor microorganisms that can protect themselves from the sterilization process, thus rendering it ineffective. Proper cleaning and decontamination must precede any sterilization method to maximize the likelihood of achieving sterility.

In addition to facilitating the sterilization process, removing soil also helps prevent corrosion and damage to the instruments, ensuring their longevity and functionality. Thus, achieving a clean instrument environment is a crucial step in the sterile processing cycle.