Final answer:
Medical instruments, items, and devices should be sealed and stored to prevent contamination. Sterilization refers to the complete removal or killing of all microorganisms from an item or environment. This can be achieved through physical or chemical means.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical instruments, items, and devices should be sealed and stored to prevent contamination. They should also be labeled with the type of sterilization used and the specific method if more than one method is used in the facility. Sterilization refers to the complete removal or killing of all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses from the item or environment. This can be achieved through physical means such as high heat or pressure, or by chemical means using sterilants. Examples of sterilization methods include exposure to high heat, autoclaving, or sterilization using chemicals called sterilants.