Which of these practices is recommended during the decontamination of used instruments?

The recommended practice during the decontamination of used instruments is to open box locks and disassemble instruments. This practice is crucial for effective cleaning and ensures thorough access to all surfaces of the instruments. By disassembling, you allow cleaning agents to reach all crevices and joints, which helps to remove blood, tissue, and other contaminants that might otherwise remain entrenched in the tool's mechanisms. This step is necessary to minimize the risk of infection and ensure that instruments are fully sanitized before sterilization.

In addition, cleaning instruments thoroughly in this way also contributes to their longevity and functionality. Many surgical instruments are designed to lock or function properly only if they are maintained correctly; if contaminants remain due to improper cleaning, it could lead to malfunctioning during surgical procedures.

The other practices listed are not as beneficial for proper decontamination. For example, using a detergent only on lightly soiled instruments limits the overall efficacy of the cleaning process, as more heavily soiled instruments require comprehensive cleaning to ensure all contaminants are removed. Submerging instruments in a bleach solution can damage some types of equipment and is not a standard practice in the decontamination process, as it might not provide the thorough cleaning needed. Finally, storing instruments under dry conditions before they