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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
14:17
The Portable Chemical Sterilizer (PCS), D-FENS, and D-FEND ALL: Novel Chlorine Dioxide Decontamination Technologies for the Military
Published on: June 29, 2014
Disinfection and sterilization: Current issues, new research, and new technology
William A Rutala1, David J Weber2
1Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC; Division of Infectious Diseases, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.
American Journal of Infection Control
|August 5, 2026
Summary
Advancements in disinfection and sterilization technologies, including chlorine dioxide and far ultraviolet-C, enhance patient safety by reducing health care-associated infections from surfaces and medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Reprocessing
- Environmental Hygiene
Background:
- Disinfection and sterilization are critical for preventing health care-associated infections.
- Environmental surfaces and reusable medical devices are key vectors for pathogen transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature that enhances current knowledge and practices in disinfection and sterilization.
- To identify innovations driving improvements in infection control.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of published literature.
- Focus on articles contributing to disinfection and sterilization knowledge and practices.
Main Results:
- Innovations in disinfectants (e.g., chlorine dioxide) and decontamination (e.g., far ultraviolet-C) are emerging.
- New sterilization technologies for devices like endoscopes are being developed.
Conclusions:
- Technological advancements and guidelines improve medical device reprocessing and surface decontamination.
- Automation, advanced sterilization, and environmental controls enhance patient safety by minimizing risks.
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Cleaning
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