Disinfection and Sterilization: Emerging Trends and Technologies

isinfection and sterilization practices in health care settings have rapidly moved to the forefront of the ongoing battle against health caree associated infections. Heightened media coverage of lapses in basic cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical devices has placed tremendous focus on strict adherence to manufacturers’ instructions for reprocessing. Government entities such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and state departments of public health and accrediting agencies including The Joint Commission have all substantially increased the emphasis on ensuring patient safety related to disinfection and sterilization processes.