Is it true that instruments with lumens should be soaked in a horizontal position?

The statement regarding whether instruments with lumens should be soaked in a horizontal position emphasizes the correct handling of these specific tools during the cleaning process. Instruments with lumens, such as suction tubes and endoscopes, require proper soaking to ensure that the cleaning solution fully penetrates the lumen.

Soaking them in a vertical position allows fluids to properly fill and flow through the lumen, allowing for thorough cleaning and disinfection. Conversely, soaking in a horizontal position could prevent adequate contact with solutions, potentially leading to incomplete cleaning. Therefore, the assertion in the choices of placing them horizontally for soaking would lead to ineffective cleaning practices.

In the context of this question, stating that instruments with lumens should not be soaked in a horizontal position aligns with best practices for cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments. Attention to the orientation of tools when using cleaning solutions is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of the sterile processing protocol.