Sterilization Guideline: Changes and Best Practices

Sterilization is the cornerstone of infection prevention in the perioperative setting. AORN's newly updated guideline on sterilization provides crucial guidance for perioperative teams, addressing emerging challenges and reinforcing best practices.

What's New in the Sterilization Guideline for Perioperative Teams?

AORN's sterilization guideline undergoes regular review to incorporate the latest evidence and address evolving practices. This update tackles several critical areas:

• 3D-Printed Devices:The increasing use of 3D-printed devices in healthcare presents unique sterilization challenges. The guideline provides guidance on appropriate sterilization methods for these complex devices.
  
  
• Short Cycle Sterilization:The practice of short cycle sterilization, while sometimes necessary, requires careful attention to detail. The updated guideline provides a clear definition of short cycle sterilization, aligning with CMS standards, and offers recommendations for its safe implementation.
  
  
• Transporting Sterilized Items:Transporting sterilized items between facilities poses logistical and environmental control challenges. The guideline offers enhanced direction for ensuring the sterility of items during transport, including considerations for vehicle conditions, environmental control, and minimizing movement to prevent damage.
  
  
• Water Quality:The ANSI/AAMI ST108 guideline emphasizes the importance of water quality for steam sterilization. AORN's updated guideline aligns with this standard, providing recommendations for monitoring water quality to ensure optimal sterilization efficacy.

The AORN Sterilization Guideline is available now in eGuidelines Plus and in the 2025 print guideline book and ebook. Access these valuable resources and empower your team to enhance patient safety through effective sterilization practices.

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Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs.

Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

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