When a technician cannot see what is in a sink, they should use?

Using sponge forceps to grasp items in a sink that is not visible is a practical and safe approach. This tool allows the technician to handle instruments or materials without directly placing their hands in potentially hazardous or unknown substances. By doing so, they minimize the risk of injury or contamination that could occur if they were to reach into the sink blindly. Sponge forceps are designed to provide a secure grip on items, making it easier to retrieve or manipulate instruments without direct contact.

Hand protection would generally be a good practice in situations involving potentially hazardous materials, but it does not address the specific issue of not being able to see what is in the sink. Similarly, using a long-handled scrub brush could be useful for cleaning but does not provide the control needed to grasp or lift unseen items effectively. Eye protection is important in many situations, but in this context, it does not help the technician handle unseen materials directly. Therefore, sponge forceps are the most suitable tool for the scenario presented.