Final answer:
The primary goal of instrument processing is to provide sterile instruments for use on a patient, involving cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, to prevent infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goal of instrument processing in healthcare is multi-faceted but ultimately aims to provide sterile instruments at chairside for use on a subsequent patient. This process involves the removal or killing of all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses from the instruments to ensure their safety and prevent patient infections. There are levels to instrument processing: cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. Cleaning instruments free of visible debris is typically the first step, which may involve methods like sonication.
Sterilization is the most advanced form of microbial control and is essential for critical items that will contact sterile tissues or the bloodstream. An autoclave is an example of a device used for sterilization, exerting high heat and pressure to achieve this objective. However, not all instruments require such extreme measures; the protocol depends on the item's classification as critical, semicritical, or noncritical. Ensuring aseptic technique and maintaining a sterile field are also vital components of the process.