Efficient decontamination of reusable invasive surgical instruments (medical devices) endeavours to eliminate inadvertent transmission of disease by infectious agents and human prions. Although there are several pertinent regulatory British, European and international decontamination standards to adhere to, the Department of Health (DH) is now emphasising the need for individual departments to be proactive in the local decision-making processes, with the aim of improving patient experience in line with health policy direction and support. The following article aims to address some of the questions that many nursing and allied health professionals may want to be answered in relation to Part A of this series.