Decontamination and Device Processing in Healthcare

Prevent infections within healthcare spaces with safe and effective device decontamination and processing

Prevention is the first line of defense against infection, particularly in a world where microbial resistance to anti-infectives like antibiotics is a growing threat. Few aspects of managing a healthcare facility are more immediately important to patient care than the safe use of equipment and devices. Although some devices are designed for single use, many more are designed to be reused and there have been increasing reports of infections and other adverse patient reactions due to these devices, in particular when regarding surgical and endoscopic procedures. The decontamination or processing of various surfaces, spaces, and devices associated with patient care is a life-saving discipline demanding dedicated resources and education.

Decontamination and Device Processing in Healthcare, Second Edition meets this demand as a comprehensive training and reference manual for the decontamination and processing of equipment and devices used in patient care environments. This book is ideal for medical staff involved in the management of devices within healthcare facilities, including those purchasing, using, and processing devices on patients, and those responsible for their safety. Now fully updated to reflect the latest international regulations, standards, and best practices, this text is an invaluable tool for meeting the challenges of the modern medical facility.

Readers of the second edition of Decontamination and Device Processing in Healthcare will also find within the text

• Up-to-date information based off the current guidelines, standards, and regulations of Regulatory organizations include the US-FDA, EU-MDR, NMPA and other similar international organizations. Standard organizations including ISO, CEN, AAMI, BSI, DIN and international professional organizations in device processing (WFHSS, HPSA, CAMDR etc), nursing (AORN, EORNA, ESGENA), infection prevention (WHO, CDC, ECDC) and more
• Detailed discussion of topics including surgical suite management, infection prevention and control, essentials of anatomy and microbiology, safety, endoscopy and outpatient areas, quality management, and many more
• Description of the steps in device processing ranging from equipment to surgical devices, including cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization
• Information written to be of value to healthcare educators and administrators as well as clinical professionals

Written by experienced professionals with a systematic grasp of key methods and their advantages, Decontamination in Healthcare offers a wealth of information for every member of a clinical team.

Dr. Gerald McDonnell is Vice President of Microbiological Quality and Sterility Assurance at Johnson & Johnson.

Dr. Georgia Alevizopoulou is a Senior Clinical & Education Manager at STERIS Corporation.