Debris is removed from tools and implements using which of the following procedures?

The removal of debris from tools and implements involves the process known as cleaning. This procedure focuses on physically removing visible dirt, debris, and contaminants from surfaces. Cleaning ensures that tools are free from organic material, dust, or other residues before further disinfecting or sanitizing steps can be taken.

The cleaning process typically involves the use of soap and water or a detergent solution to scrub the tools effectively. This step is essential because it prepares the surface for subsequent disinfection, ensuring that any chemicals used can be more effective on cleaned surfaces.

While other processes, such as disinfecting, sanitizing, and sterilizing, play significant roles in infection control, they come into play after the initial cleaning phase. Disinfecting reduces the number of pathogens on surfaces, sanitizing lowers the number of germs to safe levels, and sterilizing eliminates all forms of microbial life, but these methods are not specifically aimed at debris removal.