#$%^&*AU2011224068A120130404.pdf#####ABSTRACT The present invention relates to methods of cleaning and sterilising biomedical surfaces such as those associated with surgical instruments and medical devices. The methods involve the application of a low temperature non-reactive gas plasma treatment, preferably an air plasma 5 treatment, to the surface of a surgical instrument or medical device for a period sufficient for the effective removal of at least any proteinaceous contamination. 10 22