What is the primary function of an ultrasonic cleaner in sterile processing?

Study for the Sterile Processing Technician Exam. Review flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Prepare for your certification exam!

The primary function of an ultrasonic cleaner in sterile processing is to remove debris from instruments. This specialized equipment uses high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles in a cleaning solution. When these bubbles collapse, they produce shock waves that help dislodge and remove dirt, blood, tissue, and other contaminants from the surfaces and crevices of medical instruments. This process is highly effective in reaching intricate areas that may be difficult to clean manually, ensuring that instruments are properly prepared for sterilization.

While other functions like sterilizing, visually inspecting, or drying instruments are important in the overall sterile processing workflow, they are not the primary purpose of ultrasonic cleaners. Sterilization typically follows the cleaning process, and visual inspections and drying are carried out after cleaning to ensure instruments are safe for use and ready for storage or further processing.

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