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Related Concept Videos

Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods01:29

Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods

As used in a healthcare facility, sterilization destroys all microorganisms through physical or chemical methods. The physical method includes steam, dry heat, boiling water, and radiation.
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods01:30

Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods

In healthcare, the chemical method of sterilization uses chemical sterilants to treat surgical instruments and medical supplies to help prevent the transmission of infectious pathogens to patients. Due to heat sensitivity, most medical supplies and equipment should not be exposed to high temperatures. These parts include rubber, plastic, glass, and other similar elements.
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection01:30

Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection

Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are the methods that help to break the infection chain and prevent disease.
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Standard Precaution01:26

Standard Precaution

Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway01:25

Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway

In preparing for oropharyngeal airway suctioning, a nurse must gather all necessary equipment, including a suction unit with tubing, a prepackaged suction kit, sterile gloves, water or saline for irrigation, a water-soluble lubricant, and additional personal protective equipment (such as a gown, mask, and goggles) to control infections.
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...

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Updated: May 11, 2026

Standardized Method for High-throughput Sterilization of Arabidopsis Seeds
08:13

Standardized Method for High-throughput Sterilization of Arabidopsis Seeds

Published on: October 17, 2017

Implementing AORN recommended practices for sterilization.

Patricia Graybill-D'Ercole1

  • 1Integra LifeSciences Corp, York, PA, USA.

AORN Journal
|April 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Proper sterilization in healthcare facilities is crucial for preventing surgical site infections. Updated guidelines address single-use items, inspection, and advanced sterilization methods like hydrogen peroxide vapor.

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Area of Science:

  • Healthcare infection control
  • Surgical instrument reprocessing
  • Medical device sterilization

Background:

  • Hospitals and surgical facilities require robust systems for cleaning, decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization of patient-use items.
  • Sterilization is a critical component in mitigating the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs).
  • Effective sterilization necessitates collaboration among all healthcare providers, including perioperative nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and update the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) "Recommended practices for sterilization."
  • To incorporate evidence-based advancements in sterilization techniques and protocols.
  • To ensure guidelines meet the highest standards for patient safety and infection prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature and clinical practices related to sterilization.
  • Inclusion of updated recommendations for handling single-use items.
  • Emphasis on pre-sterilization inspection of critical instruments.
  • Integration of low-temperature hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization methods.
  • Inclusion of guidelines for immediate-use steam sterilization.

Main Results:

  • The revised AORN "Recommended practices for sterilization" (effective June 15, 2012) incorporates significant updates.
  • New guidance addresses the sterilization of single-use items, challenging previous practices.
  • The document highlights the importance of meticulous inspection before sterilization.
  • It includes protocols for advanced methods such as hydrogen peroxide vapor and immediate-use steam sterilization.

Conclusions:

  • Adherence to updated sterilization practices is essential for reducing surgical site infections.
  • The revised guidelines provide comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for perioperative personnel.
  • This document represents a significant advancement, being the first AORN guideline accepted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Guideline Clearinghouse.