What is the purpose of cleaning before sterilization?

The purpose of cleaning before sterilization is fundamentally linked to ensuring the effectiveness of the sterilization process. Cleaning serves to remove organic matter, bodily fluids, tissue residues, and other contaminants from instruments and surfaces. These materials can shield microorganisms from the sterilizing agent, making it impossible for the sterilization process to eliminate all pathogens effectively. Without thorough cleaning, any organic debris left on the instruments could protect bacteria and viruses during sterilization, potentially leading to inadequate sterility and increasing the risk of infection when instruments are used.

Ensuring that instruments are completely clean is crucial for achieving the desired level of sterility, as sterilization relies on direct contact between the sterilizing agent and the items being sterilized. Therefore, an effective cleaning step is necessary to enhance the overall safety and effectiveness of surgical and other medical procedures.