Final answer:
Instruments need to be bagged before steam sterilization to facilitate air circulation, allowing steam to reach all surfaces of the instruments for effective sterilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steam sterilization is an important method for sterilizing instruments in various settings, including laboratories and medical facilities. One of the reasons instruments are bagged before steam sterilization is to facilitate air circulation. When instruments are enclosed in a bag, steam can more easily penetrate the package and reach all surfaces, ensuring effective sterilization.
By allowing air circulation, bagging the instruments prevents the formation of pockets or barriers that would hinder the steam from reaching all areas of the instruments. This is particularly important when sterilizing packaged instruments that are wrapped or in containers.
For example, if a solid instrument is not bagged before steam sterilization, air trapped in the openings or crevices of the instrument may prevent the steam from fully reaching and sterilizing those areas. By bagging the instruments, air circulation is facilitated, ensuring that the steam can reach all surfaces of the instruments for effective sterilization.