What is the main purpose of precleaning a medical instrument?

The main purpose of precleaning a medical instrument is to prevent the buildup of bioburden and biofilm formation. Precleaning is a critical first step in the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes and other medical instruments because it removes organic and inorganic debris before the instrument undergoes more intensive cleaning and disinfection or sterilization processes. By addressing bioburden, which consists of blood, tissue, and other contaminants, precleaning helps to reduce the risk of infection and ensures that subsequent cleaning steps are more effective.

Complete sterilization is not achieved through precleaning alone, and while making an instrument shine may be a visual benefit, it is not the primary goal nor does it contribute to the instrument's functionality or safety. Increasing the instrument's longevity can be a secondary benefit of proper cleaning, but it does not encompass the primary reason for precleaning. Therefore, the focus on limiting bioburden and biofilm is essential for infection control and ensuring safe use of the instruments in medical settings.