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Sterilization and High-Level Disinfection in 2026: New and Emerging Topics
Emily Sickbert-Bennett1, Erica S Shenoy2, David J Weber1
1Department of Infectious Diseases, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Infection Prevention, UNC Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|March 11, 2026
Summary
Proper sterilization and high-level disinfection (HLD) of medical devices are crucial to prevent infection transmission. This guidance updates challenges and emerging topics for lumened endoscopes and ultrasound probes.
Area of Science:
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Medical Device Reprocessing
- Healthcare Epidemiology
Background:
- Lapses in medical device processing increase infection transmission risk.
- Sterilization and high-level disinfection (HLD) are critical for patient safety.
- The 2025 Multisociety Guidance addresses current sterilization and HLD challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide updates on sterilization and HLD for medical devices.
- To expand on new and emerging topics in device reprocessing.
- To address specific challenges related to lumened endoscopes and ultrasound probes.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of current evidence on sterilization and HLD.
- Inclusion of emerging topics such as borescopes and ATP testing.
- Focus on specific device types: lumened endoscopes and ultrasound probes.
Main Results:
- Updates on sterilization and HLD practices are provided.
- New topics including borescopes and ATP for cleanliness assessment are discussed.
- Guidance on disinfection for surface and endocavity ultrasound probes is expanded.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to updated sterilization and HLD guidelines is essential for infection prevention.
- Emerging technologies and specific device considerations require ongoing attention.
- Appropriate disinfection levels for various medical devices must be understood and applied.
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