Sterilization and Disinfection in the Operating Room

Experts estimate that 8,205 deaths are associated with surgical-site infections each year in the United States. Infections also increase the length of stay, add to costs, and trigger lawsuits. The perioperative nurse must minimize patient risk for developing a surgical-site infection by implementing instrument processing recommendations and standards relevant to the operating room. This article reviews guidelines related to sterilization and disinfection of surgical instruments.