Which of the following is a correct procedure for handling contaminated instruments?

Using gloves while handling contaminated instruments is essential for protecting both the individual handling them and maintaining safety standards in a sterile processing environment. Gloves act as a barrier against pathogens and contaminants that may be present on the instruments. After handling contaminated items, washing hands thoroughly is crucial to eliminate any potential transfer of bacteria or viruses that could have come into contact with skin, thus enhancing overall hygiene.

The use of gloves is a standard practice in infection control protocols, ensuring that contaminants do not spread from instruments to personnel and ultimately to patients. Proper handwashing after removing gloves helps to further reduce the risk of infection. This procedure is consistent with best practices for preventing cross-contamination in healthcare settings.

Handling contaminated instruments in other ways, such as rinsing with cold water, storing them closed in a container, or leaving them unwrapped for air drying, may not effectively reduce the risk of contamination or prepare the instruments properly for sterilization. Rinsing them with cold water can fail to effectively remove bioburden, and storing them closed can trap moisture and lead to the growth of bacteria. Unwrapped instruments left to dry can also pose serious contamination risks.