CDC updates sterilization and disinfection guidelines for medical equipment
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
November 19, 2008
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidelines for the sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning of medical equipment in healthcare facilities. The guidelines, last updated in 1985, discuss new and old topics. Updated information includes how to best effectively clean instruments before disinfecting them, which disinfectants are appropriate for patient care, and proper steaming techniques.
New to the guidelines are standards specifically about how to inactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria, bloodborne pathogens, emerging pathogens, and bioterrorist agents. Also, the guidelines discuss how to adequately disinfect complex medical equipment.
To find the updated guidelines, click here.
