The process used to remove contamination from reusable items is called decontamination and involves four stages. Which one of the following is the first stage of this process to be carried out?

The first stage of the decontamination process is cleaning. This stage involves the physical removal of visible debris, blood, or other contaminants from instruments and surfaces. Cleaning is crucial because it prepares the items for further disinfection or sterilization processes. If items are not cleaned thoroughly, residual contaminants can interfere with the effectiveness of subsequent stages, such as disinfection and sterilization.

Cleaning is generally performed using water and detergents to aid in the removal of contaminants, which can then be rinsed away. This step ensures that any remaining microorganisms are removed before items undergo disinfection, which targets more resistant pathogens. In summary, cleaning serves as the foundational step in decontamination, ensuring that later processes can effectively eliminate any harmful substances.