Research published in the American Journal of Infection Control examined the sterilization practices at hospitals, ASCs and outpatient clinics, among others.
Researchers studied 56 healthcare settings in Illinois using an 89 question audit tool on sterilization practices between 2016 and 2017.
Here are the research insights to know:
1. Sterilization gaps were found in pouching instruments before sterilization.
2. Researchers found 65 percent of facilities were compliant with keeping soiled instruments moist for transport through using gel, foam or cleansing solution.
3. About 75 percent of facilities pouched instruments before sterilization.
Click here to read the full study.