Decontamination

The soil encountered in the cleaning and decontamination process is protein in nature and relatively difficult to remove, especially if the protein has been allowed to dry on the surface. However, removal of this soil prior to sterilization is necessary in order to achieve satisfactory results--the lower the bioburden, the greater the probability of actually achieving sterilization. Therefore, when cleaning is done thoroughly and properly, visible soil and film and most microorganisms and pyrogens will be removed from the surface of the item. By providing instruments and other patient care equipment that are safe to handle or that have been adequately prepared for sterilization, you can be confident that you have made a major contribution to the provision of quality patient care in your hospital.