The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says infection-spreading medical devices include a range of reusable instruments found in outpatient facilities, according to an article on the Medscape website.
The CDC issued a health advisory urging all clinicians and facilities to double-down on properly cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing reusable medical devices, the article said.
Improper cleaning of reusable devices "is not just associated with the hospital environment," a CDC official said "Autoclaves are ubiquitous. They're in doctors' offices and clinics.
"We take it for granted, but people are using autoclaves without giving enough thought to doing every single step correctly."
Elevating EVS Professionals: The Case for Certified Hygiene Specialists
Global Handwashing Day and the Importance of Well-Maintained Restrooms
Duke Health and CaroMont Health Partner to Develop Two New Hospitals
Designing for the Psychology of Waiting
UT Health Sciences Breaks Ground on College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building