What is the initial step that should be taken before sterilizing minor surgical instruments?

The initial step before sterilizing minor surgical instruments is cleaning them with soapy water. This procedure is crucial because sterilization can only be effective on instruments that are free from debris, blood, and other contaminants. Cleaning with soapy water helps to remove organic material and other impurities that could interfere with the sterilization process.

Once the instruments are cleaned, they can be effectively prepared for sterilization methods such as autoclaving or using chemical sterilants. Having thoroughly cleaned instruments ensures that the subsequent sterilization process can sufficiently eliminate all microbial life, which is essential for patient safety in any surgical procedure.

Other processes, such as disinfection with alcohol, rinsing with sterile water, or wiping with antiseptic, may help reduce the microbial load but do not adequately prepare the instruments for sterilization if they are not first cleaned properly.