While healthcare providers follow the cleaning guidance and disinfection instructions provided by medical device manufacturers, they may not be enough, according to an article on the Becker's Infection Control & Clinical Quality website.
Three things to consider when trying to reduce the risk of outbreaks linked to instruments:
• Go the extra mile with instrument sterilization including taking devices apart whenever possible before cleaning to ensure that every piece is cleaned effectively
• Use single-use products whenever possible. While some devices are not available in disposable form, there are countless examples of outbreaks that could have been prevented if existing disposable products had been used.
• Update sterilization policies and protocols. Healthcare facilities need to consistently revisit their policies and protocols to make sure that they are up to date.
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