Q On the blueprints for the ASC physicians I work with are building, the architects have positioned the autoclaves to open into the main hallway where everything - patients, dirty instruments - is transported. The OR suites are across the hall, as are the scrub sinks. The consultant says I'm the first person to ever be concerned about this. I looked into closed flash sterilization pans, but I still think the architects should re-work the plans to include sterile corridors. Your thoughts?

A I have several recommendations. First, I hope they're not planning to use only flash sterilizers in this facility. Flash sterilizers are designed for emergency use only, in the event an instrument becomes contaminated and there is no handy replacement, and should never be used for routine sterilization. Flash sterilization is gravity sterilization without the protection of packaging. You accomplish nothing if you attain sterility but don't maintain it to the point of use. It would be a shame to build a state-of-the-art facility with Dark Ages sterilization and infection prevention.