Which of the following is NOT a step involved in the manual scrubbing process?

Soaking instruments in bleach is not part of the manual scrubbing process. The manual scrubbing process primarily includes cleaning instruments through rinsing, scrubbing with a brush, drying, and ensuring that all surfaces are cleaned thoroughly to remove debris and contaminants. This process ensures that items are prepared for further disinfection or sterilization safely.

Bleach is typically used for disinfection, not scrubbing. It is important to follow proper protocols for cleaning and disinfection, and while bleach may be involved in some sanitization procedures, it does not replace the mechanical action of scrubbing with a brush, which is essential for removing visible dirt and biofilm. The other steps involved—rinsing, drying, and sterilizing the scrubbing brush—are essential components of the manual scrubbing process to maintain hygiene and prevent cross-contamination between cleaning procedures.