In the instrument-processing sequence, which step is performed first?

• A. Sterilization.
• B. Pre-cleaning at the point of use.
• C. Storage.
• D. Packaging/wrapping.

Answer: (B)

Pre-cleaning at the point of use is the first action because it quickly removes soil and bioburden while debris is still fresh. This prevents dried-on material that’s harder to remove later and reduces exposure risk for staff during transport and handling. After this immediate cleaning, instruments move on to thorough decontamination and cleaning, followed by rinsing and drying, inspection, packaging, sterilization, and finally storage. Sterilization can’t occur until cleaning is done, and packaging typically happens before sterilization to maintain sterility, with storage as the final step.