What should you do with cleaned reusable equipment?

When dealing with cleaned reusable equipment in a clinical or healthcare setting, the best practice is to send it to central supply for disinfection. This step is crucial for ensuring that all equipment undergoes a thorough disinfection process, which adheres to infection control protocols. The central supply is equipped to ensure that items are not only cleaned properly but are also sterilized if necessary, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination and infection transmission between patients.

Returning cleaned equipment to a patient immediately could pose a risk if the item has not undergone proper disinfection, especially if the equipment requires additional steps to ensure it is safe for use. Leaving equipment in the patient's room risks contamination, and using it without further cleaning undermines safety protocols established to protect both patient and staff health. Sending equipment to central supply is the standard procedure designed to maintain a sterile environment in healthcare facilities.