When handling instruments contaminated with hepatitis B or MRSA, what should be done according to protocols?

The recommended approach when handling instruments contaminated with hepatitis B or MRSA is to ensure proper cleaning procedures are followed for all items, except for those contaminated with prions. This is because hepatitis B and MRSA, while serious, can be effectively managed through standard cleaning and disinfection protocols that ensure the instruments are safe for future use.

In the case of prions, which are resistant to standard sterilization methods and require specialized procedures, specific precautions must be taken. Therefore, it is critical to follow established cleaning procedures for all other instruments to minimize the risk of infection and contamination.

Discarding instruments immediately is not a standard response for hepatitis B or MRSA, as many can be reused after appropriate cleaning protocols are applied. Additionally, only sterilizing visibly contaminated items could leave other contaminated but not visibly dirty instruments unsafe for use. Soaking in bleach is not generally recommended for all instruments, as it can damage certain materials and does not replace the necessity of following cleaning protocols. Thus, adhering to standardized procedures for handling contaminated instruments is essential for safety in a sterile processing environment.