Module Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you should be able to:

• Define the following steps of processing instruments and other items: decontamination, cleaning, sterilization, high-level disinfection, and storage.
• List the appropriate order for conducting the steps of processing and explain the importance of carrying out the steps in the correct order.
• Describe the steps of decontamination for the different instruments and items used in health care facilities.
• Describe the steps of cleaning instruments and other items used in health care facilities, and explain why detergents are used during cleaning.
• Explain the purpose of sterilization and briefly describe the three methods used.
• Explain the purpose of high-level disinfection and describe the three methods used.
• Describe the proper way to store processed items.
• Explain how to correctly organize an area of the facility for processing instruments and other items.

NOTE:
Items commonly processed for reuse include:

• Instruments used during surgery or other clinical procedures (such as pelvic exam, childbirth, manual vacuum aspiration, and STD treatment).
• Other items such as pickups (lifters or cheatle forceps), instrument pans and trays, reusable hypodermic needles and syringes, reusable gloves, and linens.

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