What is TRUE regarding cleaning reusable instruments?

The statement that visible debris must be removed to ensure effective disinfection is crucial in the context of infection control. When reusable instruments are cleaned, any visible debris—such as blood, saliva, or tissue—can serve as a barrier to the disinfectant or sterilization process. If debris is not properly removed prior to disinfection, it may hinder the effectiveness of the cleaning agents and processes, leading to potential contamination and compromising patient safety. Therefore, thorough initial cleaning to remove all visible materials is a fundamental step in achieving effective disinfection of instruments used in clinical settings.

The other options do not align with best practices in infection control. Automated cleaning methods can enhance efficiency and are often preferred in many settings. Instruments must generally be sealed during storage to maintain sterility, and manual cleaning methods should only be carried out under conditions that ensure safety and efficacy, not under any circumstance. Thus, the importance of removing visible debris in the cleaning process is paramount to the overall effectiveness of infection control practices.