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Cleaning biofilm and debris from instruments before immersion in ultrasonic cleaning is crucial because it enhances the effectiveness of the ultrasonic cleaning process. Biofilm can harbor microorganisms and residues that may protect them from being dislodged by ultrasonic waves. If these contaminants are not adequately removed beforehand, the ultrasonic cleaning may not penetrate effectively, leading to insufficient sterilization.

In comparison, while plastic covers, rusty blades, and screws and nuts have their own cleaning considerations, they do not directly impact the efficacy of the ultrasonic cleaning process in the same way that biofilm and debris do. Plastic covers might be removed during cleaning, rusty blades may not be viable for use without maintenance, and screws usually don't pose a contamination risk that can compromise the cleaning cycle. Therefore, prioritizing the removal of biofilm and debris ensures that the instruments are properly cleaned and prepared for safe use.