What must occur before an item can be placed in low-temperature sterilization?

Before an item can be placed in low-temperature sterilization, it must be properly cleaned. Cleaning is a crucial first step in the sterilization process because it removes debris, organic material, and contaminants from the surface of the item. If an item is not cleaned adequately, the presence of soils or biological materials can inhibit the effectiveness of the sterilization process, leading to potential sterilization failures.

Low-temperature sterilization methods, such as those involving ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, still require that items be thoroughly cleaned beforehand. This ensures that the sterilant can access all surfaces of the item effectively and achieve the intended level of microbial kill. Therefore, cleaning is a fundamental prerequisite for successful sterilization and is vital for maintaining safety and effectiveness in sterile processing protocols.