When using an ultrasonic cleaner, what should be done FIRST?

When using an ultrasonic cleaner, the first step is to remove visible debris and biological matter from the instruments before placing them in the cleaner. This is essential because the ultrasonic cleaning process is designed to remove small particles and contamination using high-frequency sound waves that create tiny bubbles in a cleaning solution. If instruments are placed in the cleaner while still covered with significant visible debris, this can hinder the effectiveness of the ultrasonic action and lead to inadequate cleaning.

Removing visible debris ensures that the ultrasonic cleaner can work optimally, allowing the cleaning solution to penetrate effectively and reach all surfaces of the instruments. Inadequate initial cleaning may result in the debris being further lodged into the instruments during the ultrasonic cleaning process rather than being effectively removed.

The other options, while relevant to the cleaning process, should occur after the visible debris is removed. For instance, ensuring instruments are closed and assembled can come after the initial clean to prevent damage or misalignment during cleaning. Checking for metal compatibility is also vital, but it is a separate consideration that typically would not be prioritized during the initial cleaning phase. Lastly, changing the cleaning solution is an important maintenance step, but it assumes that the solution will be used in a manner that is most effective following the removal of larger pieces of debris.