Safety

Finally, CDC releases new disinfection and sterilization guideline

OSHA Healthcare Connection, November 18, 2008

As promised by lead author William A. Rutala, Ph.D., M.P.H., at the APIC meeting last June, the CDC, on November 13, published Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008. This guideline supercedes the relevant sections contained in the 1985 Guideline for Handwashing and Environmental Control.

According to the guideline's executive summary, new topics include:

  • Disinfection of patient-care equipment used in ambulatory settings and home care
  • Inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, bioterrorist agents, emerging pathogens, and bloodborne pathogens
  • Toxicologic, environmental, and occupational concerns associated with disinfection and sterilization practices
  • New sterilization processes, such as hydrogen peroxide gas plasma and liquid peracetic acid
  • Disinfection of complex medical instruments (e.g., endoscopes).

Click here to view the guidelines, which are currently only available in pdf format.

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