Which of the following practices is beneficial when decontaminating heavily soiled instruments?

Using an enzymatic detergent during the decontamination of heavily soiled instruments is beneficial because it effectively breaks down organic matter, such as blood and tissue, that can cling to surgical instruments. Enzymatic detergents contain specific enzymes designed to target these organic substances, making them more manageable to remove during the cleaning process.

When instruments are heavily soiled, simply rinsing with cold water, using mechanical washing tools, or soaking in water may not adequately address the residues present. Cold water rinses can help remove loose debris but are not sufficient for thorough decontamination, as proteins and other organic materials require more than just water to be removed effectively. Mechanical washing may assist in cleaning but lacks the chemical efficacy needed to break down tough contaminants. Soaking in water alone does not provide any active cleaning action and can even cause further soil adherence, making it counterproductive. Therefore, employing an enzymatic detergent is the most effective practice for ensuring that thoroughly soiled instruments are properly decontaminated.