What is the term for the process of cleaning visual debris from instruments?

The term that accurately describes the process of cleaning visual debris from instruments is sanitization. This process involves the removal of dirt and organic matter from instruments to a level that is considered safe for further handling and use. Sanitization is essential in various settings, particularly in healthcare, to ensure that instruments are visually clean and safe to use.

While disinfection, sterilization, and decontamination are related processes, they serve distinct purposes. Disinfection refers to the elimination of many or all pathogenic microorganisms, while sterilization denotes the complete destruction of all microbial life, including spores. Decontamination encompasses the processes of sanitization and disinfection and ensures an object is safe to handle. In this specific context, however, sanitization directly addresses the cleaning of visual debris, making it the most appropriate term.