Which of the following is the Decontamination Method 2 for blood or other infectious material on items?

The correct approach for Decontamination Method 2 involves cleaning the item to remove any debris and dirt, followed by sterilizing it to eliminate all forms of microbial life. This method is critical in ensuring that any potential pathogens, including bloodborne pathogens, are effectively eradicated.

Cleaning is the first step, as it physically removes contaminants from surfaces, which is essential before any further decontamination processes can occur. Sterilization then takes this a step further by using methods such as steam, heat, or chemical agents to ensure that all microbial life, including resistant bacterial spores, is destroyed.

While other methods listed serve important roles in hygiene and infection control, they do not constitute the same level of thoroughness as cleaning followed by sterilization does. For example, using antiseptics on skin or washing with soap and water primarily prevents cross-contamination but does not sterilize instruments or surfaces effectively. Similarly, scrubbing with a brush after washing provides some cleaning benefit but does not guarantee the same level of thorough decontamination as the combination of cleaning followed by sterilization. Cleaning and disinfecting with an EPA-registered disinfectant is important for reducing the number of pathogens but does not achieve the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life that sterilization accomplish