Infections and exposures: reported incidents associated with unsuccessful decontamination of reusable surgical instruments.

In a retrospective study published in November 2014 by the Journal of Hospital Infection, incidents involving infections and exposures due to unsuccessful decontamination of reusable surgical instruments were examined. The investigation took place over a three-year period from 2009 to 2012 across several UK National Health Service hospital Central Sterile Supplies Departments (CSSDs).

The study identified a total of 76 incidents, with the majority occurring during the final year of the study period. The unsuccessful decontamination was primarily linked to manual cleaning, accounting for 58% of the incidents. Automated washer-disinfectors accounted for 30%, while the remaining 12% were attributed to other causes such as transportation or storage issues.

The organisms involved in these incidents included Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, among others. The study found that the most common type of device affected was scalpel handles, followed by forceps and scissors.

In response to these findings, the authors emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines set forth by organizations such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They also highlighted the need for ongoing staff education and training to ensure effective decontamination processes. The study underscores the critical role that sterile processing professionals play in maintaining a safe and infection-free environment.