When cleansing an instrument, when should you lubricate it?

Lubricating the instrument after disinfection and before sterilization is vital for maintaining the functionality and longevity of the instrument. Once the cleaning process supports the removal of debris and microorganisms, disinfection significantly reduces the microbial load. However, many instruments contain moving parts or are made of materials that require lubrication to function properly and avoid corrosion during the sterilization process. By applying lubricant at this stage, you ensure that even after exposure to sterilization methods, the instrument remains easy to operate and is protected from damage.

This approach is also practical, considering that post-sterilization lubrication could compromise the sterility of the instrument, and lubricating weekly lacks the context needed for immediate instrument care and preparation between usages. Thus, the timing of lubricant application is critical in ensuring the effective maintenance of instruments used in medical aesthetics.