Which of the following is not an appropriate method for cleaning surgical instruments?

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 method of sterilization is not appropriate for cleaning surgical instruments. Cleaning and sterilization are two distinct processes. Cleaning is the removal of organic and inorganic material from surfaces, which is essential since debris can hinder the effectiveness of sterilization.

Washing with soap and water and ultrasonic cleaning are accepted methods for cleaning instruments. Washing helps to physically remove visible soil, while ultrasonic cleaning utilizes high-frequency sound waves in a cleaning solution to agitate the fluid and remove debris from hard-to-reach areas of instruments.

Sterilization, on the other hand, is a process used to eliminate all forms of microorganisms, including spores, and is typically performed after cleaning to ensure that instruments are safe for use. A session in a high-pressure steam autoclave is a method of sterilization, designed to ensure complete microbial kill and is the final step in the decontamination process, not a cleaning step. Thus, while critical to infection control, sterilization should only follow effective cleaning methods.

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