Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam 2025 - Free Sterile Processing Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

Saline should never be used to remove gross soil from instruments because it does not effectively remove contaminants, such as blood and other organic debris. Saline is isotonic and may actually promote the adherence of soils to instruments due to its salt content, making it less effective than water.

In contrast, the use of water is appropriate as it can help to rinse off debris before further cleaning processes. Ultrasonic cleaning is specifically designed to remove soil through cavitation and is highly effective at cleaning instruments. Manual scrubbing is another valid technique that mechanically removes debris using physical action. However, saline lacks the cleaning properties necessary for effective decontamination, which is why it is not recommended for this initial cleaning step.