What must be done before sanitizing medical instruments?

Before sanitizing medical instruments, they must be rinsed with water to remove any visible debris, blood, or other contaminants. This initial rinsing step is crucial as it helps to ensure that the subsequent sanitization process is more effective. If instruments are not rinsed beforehand, organic materials can interfere with the sanitizer's ability to effectively reduce microbial load, potentially leaving harmful pathogens on the instruments.

The other options do not accurately reflect the necessary steps prior to sanitization. For instance, sterilizing instruments before sanitization is not a standard procedure, as sanitization is generally the step taken prior to sterilization for instruments that are reused. Additionally, the design of instruments for single use does not relate to the sanitization process of reusable instruments. Storing instruments in a clean area is important for maintaining their cleanliness after processing but takes place after the sanitization or sterilization processes.