How long before a scheduled procedure should required instrumentation, sets, or trays be pulled from sterile storage?

The correct answer is the day or evening prior to the scheduled procedure because this timing allows sufficient preparation and ensures that all instruments, sets, or trays are thoroughly checked for sterility and completeness before the procedure. Pulling items the day before enables the sterile processing team to verify that the necessary instruments have been cleaned, sterilized, and are ready for use, while also allowing time to address any issues that may arise.

This timeframe also aligns with best practices in sterile processing, which prioritize the prevention of contamination and the maintenance of instrument integrity. If instrumentation were to be pulled on the same day, there might be insufficient time to conduct comprehensive checks, risking the potential for operating with incomplete or incorrectly prepared sets. Additionally, pulling items too far in advance, such as a week before, could lead to sterility concerns as items may become compromised over time or require re-sterilization due to expiration of sterile condition.