The following article was originally published as a sidebar of "Desktop Sterilizers in the Outpatient Setting" in Preventing Infection in Ambulatory Care, the quarterly e-publication from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). To learn more about receiving this resource and joining APIC, visit www.apic.org/ambulatorynewsletter. To learn more about APIC, visit www.apic.org.
What should infection preventionists look for in ambulatory surgery?
1. Autoclave that monitors time, temp and pressure, preferably with printout
2. Unidirectional flow of instruments with no crossovers
3. Load logs which may include the printed "receipt" of a successful load
4. Proper size packaging for each instrument or set
5. Correct indicators/integrators used in each pack
6. Spore testing logs — staff should explain how they do it, what is "positive" and what is "negative"
7. Preventive maintenance records, cleaning documentation
8. Written policies and procedure
9. Proper products — enzymatic or instrument cleaner, etc.
Editor's note: To receive the new, free Becker's ASC-Hospital Clinical Quality & Infection Control E-Weekly, click here or e-mail rob@beckersasc.com.
Read more from APIC:
- APIC Recommends Mandatory Influenza Immunization as Condition of Healthcare Employment
- Study: Hospitals Save Money When Screening for MRSA
- APIC Co-Launches Website to Help Eliminate CLABSIs
