What steps should be taken before sterilizing items that are visibly contaminated with blood or body fluids?

Before sterilizing items visibly contaminated with blood or body fluids, a thorough cleaning and decontamination process must be performed. The first step is to rinse the items under cool or lukewarm running water to remove gross contamination. Hot water should be avoided as it can coagulate proteins, making them more difficult to remove. Next, the items should be cleaned with an enzymatic detergent specifically designed to break down blood and body fluids. The detergent should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions, including the recommended concentration and contact time. Manual cleaning with a soft brush or cloth may be necessary to remove stubborn residue. After cleaning, the items should be thoroughly rinsed with water to remove all traces of the detergent. Visually inspect to ensure all visible contamination has been removed. If any contamination remains, repeat the cleaning process. The cleaned items should then be dried before sterilization. Drying prevents dilution of the sterilizing agent and ensures effective sterilization. Following these steps minimizes bioburden and ensures the sterilization process is effective.