Which is NOT a step in the instrument processing protocol?

In the context of instrument processing protocols within dental settings, the steps generally include transport, cleaning, inspection, and delivery. The purpose of these steps is to ensure that dental instruments are safe, hygienic, and ready for use in patient care.

The step of inspecting is crucial, as it involves checking the instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and any signs of damage after they have been cleaned. However, if we consider the protocol provided, it is structured more around the practical procedures that are necessary for achieving sterilization and safety.

Transport refers to the careful movement of instruments from the treatment area to the processing area, ensuring they are not contaminated. Cleaning is the actual process of removing debris and contaminants from the instruments. Delivery involves getting the sterilized instruments back to the treatment area where they can be safely used on patients.

Since the process emphasizes cleaning and sterilizing instruments for patient safety, 'Delivery' can be seen as an integral part that follows after sterilization. Inspection, while important in a real-world context, is not classified specifically as a step in the formal instrument processing protocol framework. Thus, recognizing what constitutes a standard processing step clarifies that inspecting, while critical for ensuring instrument quality, is not designated as a separate step in these particular