What is a necessary procedure before using any high-level disinfectant?

The necessary procedure before using any high-level disinfectant is ensuring correct activation. This step is crucial because high-level disinfectants often require specific conditions—such as dilution ratios, temperature, or activation processes—to achieve their intended effectiveness. Activation may involve mixing the disinfectant with other substances or allowing it to react for a specific duration to ensure it is potent enough to kill pathogens effectively.

If the correct activation is not ensured, the disinfectant may not work as intended, potentially leading to inadequate disinfection of medical instruments, which can pose serious health risks in a clinical environment. Taking this precaution helps maintain strict infection control standards and ensures patient safety during surgical and invasive procedures.