In summary , SSIs are among the most preventable healthcare-associated infections and are a significant burden in patient morbidity , mortality , and costs .”
cleaned , wrapped or containerized , stored , and handled will remain sterile indefinitely unless opened .
However , events that may affect the sterility of a package include , but are not limited to :
• Excessive handling that leads to seal breakage or loss of package integrity
• Compression during storage
• Moisture penetration
• Exposure to airborne or environmental contaminants
• Storage conditions where temperature is in excess of 75 degrees F ( 24 degrees C ) and / or humidity is in excess of 70 percent
• Packages are dropped
• Missing external indicator of sterility ( e . g ., autoclave tape )
• Internal integrators have not changed .
Environmental cleaning in sterile processing areas
Before work begins for the day , damp dust from top to bottom ( sterilizers , workstations , counters , shelving ). Daily terminal cleaning includes floors in all areas , workstations , sinks , pass-through window , and trash and linen receptacles .
In summary , SSIs are among the most preventable HAIs and are a significant burden in patient morbidity , mortality , and costs .
To ensure quality , we suggest auditing of key areas , such as IUSS rates , and if loaner instruments and implants are delivered soon enough for on-site decontamination and sterilization . Lastly , we recommend reviewing the recently published ANSI / AAMI ST91 : 2021 Flexible and semi-rigid endoscope processing in health care facilities . This revision provides expanded guidance on point of use treatment , transport , leak testing , cleaning , high-level disinfection , liquid chemical sterilization , packaging , sterilization , and storage of flexible and semi-rigid endoscopes to ensure endoscopes are safe for patient use .
Gail Horvath , MSN , RN , CNOR , CRCST , is senior patient safety analyst and consultant with ECRI .
Margaret Miller , BS , MT ( ASCP ) M , CIC , FAPIC , is an infection preventionist with ECRI .
References :
1 . Ban K , et al . American College of Surgeons / Surgical Infection Society : surgical site infection guidelines , 2016 update .
National Healthcare Safety Network Surgical Site Infection Event . CDC . 2022 .
ANNOUNCING the Symposium on Healthcare Value Analysis & Infection Prevention
MAY 3-5 ,
2022
This event offers 6 free contact hours of CE for nurses !