What should be done if a sterilization cycle fails?

When a sterilization cycle fails, it is crucial to reprocess the items and document the failure. This approach ensures that all items are properly sterilized before being released for clinical use. Proper documentation serves multiple important purposes: it helps trace back to the root cause of the failure, facilitates communication among the staff, and ensures compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.

Reprocessing the items addresses any potential risks associated with using them if they are not confirmed sterile. It provides an opportunity to conduct a thorough investigation into the factors that may have contributed to the failure, such as equipment malfunction, operator error, or issues with the sterilization parameters. This step is vital for maintaining patient safety and ensuring that all instruments and materials used in procedures are indeed sterile.

The other options do not prioritize safety and efficacy. Assuming the items are sterile and releasing them places patients at risk of infection from contaminated instruments. Discarding all items processed during the cycle could be unnecessary and wasteful if only some items were compromised. Simply waiting to see if the items remain sterile does not follow proper protocols and could lead to serious consequences if the items are indeed contaminated.