Sterilization and Infection Prevention

Sterilization and Infection Prevention: A Critical Collaboration 

Infection Preventionists play a vital role in healthcare, particularly within the Sterile Processing Department, where preventing infection and cross-contamination is non-negotiable. SPDs are tasked with one of the most critical responsibilities in any hospital setting: ensuring that every surgical instrument is properly sterilized before use. 

Together, IPs and SPDs design and implement infection control programs that focus on sterilization processes, staff education, and compliance with evolving regulatory standards. 

IPs and SPDs: A Collaborative Approach to Sterilization 

At ASSI, our assessments across SPDs and Operating Rooms have revealed a concerning gap: infection preventionists are often stretched thin across multiple campuses, limiting their direct engagement with SPD teams. 

A strong, collaborative relationship between IPs and SPDs is essential. Infection preventionists must actively contribute to Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) programs and play a hands-on role in cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization oversight. This collaboration ensures protocol adherence, promotes safety, and fosters a culture of mutual respect. 

Building a Comprehensive CQI Program 

To develop a CQI program focused on sterilization quality, IPs and SPDs should work together to: 

Conduct an initial assessment of sterilization procedures 

• Review physical design, workflow, and equipment 
• Evaluate decontamination, packaging, and loading/unloading practices 
• Address immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) 
• Compare current practices to AAMI ST79, CDC, and OSHA guidelines 
• Develop corrective action plans and monitor progress 

This team-based approach helps align practice with standards while reducing errors. 

Best Practices from the Field 

Jill Holdsworth, Infection Prevention Manager at Emory University Hospital Midtown, exemplifies this integrated model. Her unique approach includes participating directly in cleaning processes with SPD teams and learning from frontline technicians. Her strategy has enhanced both compliance and morale by turning sterilization into a shared responsibility. 

Rounding and Risk Assessment in Sterilization 

According to the Accreditation and Quality Compliance Center, noncompliance in SPDs often stems from: 

• Lack of IP oversight 
• Inadequate staff training 
• Poor communication during assessments 

A BMJ-published study found that 55% of errors occurred during the tray assembly phase, with a high frequency of defective trays. 

Common Tray Defects: 

• 17.6% missing instruments 
• 10.9% broken or damaged instruments 
• 8.5% incorrect instruments 
• 7.1% improperly assembled instruments 
• 6.4% compromised filters 
• 4.5% extra instruments in trays 

Elevating IP Oversight in Assembly 

Many IPs report feeling uncertain about assessing sterilization practices. Advantage Support Services developed a checklist and training program to guide IPs through assembly oversight using AAMI ST79 standards. 

This initiative strengthens IPs’ ability to assess:

• Instrument cleanliness and functionality 
• Tray completeness 
• Packaging integrity 
• Cross-contamination risk prevention 

Communication is Key 

Communication between departments is vital. ANSI/AAMI ST79 recommends real-time engagement between infection prevention and SPD staff. Debriefing sessions help ensure that findings are discussed constructively and lead to actionable improvements. 

Conclusion: A Unified Front in Sterilization and Infection Prevention 

Infection preventionists are essential to the sterilization process and the success of SPDs. Their involvement ensures patient safety, process improvement, and compliance with national standards. 

When SPDs and IPs unite under a shared CQI framework, hospitals reduce risks, improve surgical outcomes, and elevate care standards. A proactive, hands-on approach to sterilization is not just best practice—it’s essential. 

Learn More: Explore Advantage Support Services’ Sterile Processing Education Programs › 

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