What stage is NOT part of the washer-disinfector process?

The stage that is not part of the washer-disinfector process is cooling. In a washer-disinfector, the primary stages include flushing, drying, and thermal disinfection.

During the flushing process, pre-washing occurs to remove debris and contaminants from the instruments. This is followed by thermal disinfection, where high temperatures effectively kill microorganisms, ensuring that the items are sanitized. After these stages, drying is crucial to prevent water spots and ensure that the instruments are completely dry for storage or further use.

Cooling, however, is not a defined stage in the washer-disinfector process. While items may naturally cool after undergoing the thermal disinfection phase, there is no specific stage dedicated to cooling as part of the routine process. Therefore, it is correct to identify cooling as the stage that does not belong in the washer-disinfector workflow.