Instrument sterilization may be the most well researched and well controlled portion of surgical infection control. When the rules of proper decontamination, packaging and sterilization are followed, the incidence of surgical site infection from reusable surgical instruments and supplies is extremely low. The challenge, especially today with so much decentralization of surgery, is making sure that everyone involved in the sterilization process is well-versed in its principles. This overview, which is broken down into four sections, is designed to help.
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