Minimizing risk of surgical instruments contamination

This article is a repost from the #IFUCan blog hosted on LinkedIn. The first few paragraphs are teased below, and the full article can be viewed by clicking here. By Jim Schneiter In Part I of this two-part series, we pointed out that the primary goal of surgical instrument processing is to minimize the risk of a dangerous, painful and costly surgical infections caused by an instrument that remains contaminated with organic debris after processing. Minimizing patient risk of a surgical infection begins with pre-cleaning instruments at point-of-use and prior to transport. The practice of pre-cleaning instruments has long-been recommended by the FDA, AORN, IAHCSMM, AAMI and The Joint Commission (TJC). The responsibility to minimize patient harm from a contaminated surgical instrument is made even more difficult when it comes to processing complex surgical instruments e.g., instruments with lumens, corners, dead-spaces, etc.). This is because even with enhanced visualization methods, it is impossible to see inside of these complex devices, much less see microscopic bioburden and/or biofilm. Any and all steps taken by you and your staff to reduce the risk of an instrument contaminated with organic debris being returned to surgery will help reduce the risk of a patient contracting a surgical infection, especially a deep-organ surgical infection. The first step in reducing the risk of a surgical infection caused by a contaminated instrument involves a thorough review of instrument manufacturers’ cleaning instructions for use (IFUs). Continue reading here