Which process involves wrapping or packaging instruments in advance of sterilization?

The process of wrapping or packaging instruments in advance of sterilization is known as preparation. This step is crucial in ensuring that instruments are adequately protected from contamination during the sterilization process. Proper preparation involves using the right materials and techniques to wrap the instruments securely, ensuring that they remain sterile after the sterilization cycle is completed.

Additionally, this phase is vital for maintaining the integrity of the instruments, as it prevents any potential exposure to microorganisms or contaminants once they are sterilized. Without proper preparation, even the most effective sterilization process could fail, compromising the safety and efficacy of the surgical instruments.

While assembly may refer to the organization and arrangement of instruments before wrapping, it does not specifically address the act of packaging them for sterilization. Sterilization refers to the actual process of eliminating all forms of microbial life and does not include the steps leading up to it. Quality control pertains to ensuring that processes and outcomes meet certain standards, which is more about oversight rather than the specific act of preparing instruments for sterilization.