Infection Control in Operating Rooms: Sterilization and Disinfection Practices

Abstract

Operating rooms are critical patient-care areas where absolute care must be taken to prevent transmission of infections. Most cases of surgical site infections are due to peri-operative exposure to pathogens. Since skin integrity is breached due to surgeries, it is imperative that the air, surfaces, and devices are pathogen-free. It is also crucial to main best practices in ORs so as to minimize the pathogen load in the air circulating in the air. This chapter describes the procedures for cleaning and decontamination in the ORs. The chapter also details the processes of sterilization for devices and instruments to be used in ORs.