What is the first step a surgical technologist should take with instruments after a cystoscopy?

The first step a surgical technologist should take with instruments after a cystoscopy is to disassemble the instruments. This step is crucial because cystoscopes and their associated instruments often have multiple components that can be difficult to clean and sterilize if not properly disassembled. Removing these components allows for thorough cleaning and inspection of each part, ensuring no residue or contamination is left behind.

Disassembling the instruments makes it easier to manage each piece, ensuring that channels, valves, and other parts are accessible for cleaning. It also facilitates the detection of any damage or wear that may have occurred during the procedure, which is essential for maintaining the instruments’ functionality and longevity.

After disassembly, the subsequent steps would typically include cleaning and properly sanitizing the instruments to prepare them for sterilization. It is important to perform these tasks in a systematic order to ensure the highest standards of infection control and care for surgical instruments.