After instruments are removed from the ultrasonic cleaner, they should be...

After instruments are removed from the ultrasonic cleaner, rinsing and drying them is essential to prepare them for the next step in the disinfection or sterilization process. The ultrasonic cleaner efficiently removes debris from the instruments using high-frequency sound waves, but it does not remove all contaminants. Rinsing the instruments removes any remaining cleaning solution or particles released during the ultrasonic cleaning process, ensuring they are clean and ready for sterilization.

Drying the instruments is equally important. Excess moisture can interfere with the sterilization process, leading to potential contamination. Proper drying techniques also reduce the risk of corrosion, especially for metal instruments, and help to maintain their integrity and lifespan.

Other options, such as soaking, wiping, or polishing, are not standard procedures immediately following ultrasonic cleaning and could introduce unnecessary steps or risks. Thus, rinsing and drying are the correct and most efficient practices for handling instruments after they have been through an ultrasonic cleaner.