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INFECTION PREVENTION
exists that high-level disinfection instead of sterilization increases the
risk for infection."1 But recent headlines have raised concerns, and
there's no reason to not brush up your arthroscope and shaver protocols.
Researchers who looked at a 2009 Texas outbreak detailed the 6
adjustments the hospital now takes in its reprocessing routines:
1. Routinely perform endoscopic evaluation of shaver handpieces to
determine whether suction channels contain residual bioburden.
2. Use a non-bristled brush to clean the lumen of the arthroscopic
inflow/outflow cannulae.
3. Cap the distal end of the arthroscope camera and shaver handpiece power cord.
4. Submerge shaver handpiece in enzymatic solution for 10-15 minutes during gross decontamination.
5. Cease storing surgical instruments in areas outside the designated
storage room.
6. Vigilantly enforce limits on flash sterilization.7
In this case study, no more SSIs occurred after the protocol was instituted. It's a good reminder that you should regularly review your policies
and procedures, reinforce staff training and examine workflow. OSM
Ms. Greene (linda.greene@rochestergeneral.org) is the director of infection
prevention for Rochester (N.Y.) General Health System.
ON THE WEB
Download the references for this article at www.outpatientsurgery.net/forms.
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | N O V E M B E R 2012
