The Infection Control Today® operating room page provides news articles and videos on the intersection between surgery and infection prevention. The operating room is a prime breeding ground for harmful pathogens to spread, resulting in surgical site infections. The role of the infection preventionist, together with the perioperative nursing staff, is to craft policies and processes to cut down on these infections and ensure patient safety during surgical procedures.
May 16th 2025
Invisible yet deadly, endotoxins evade traditional sterilization methods, posing significant risks during routine surgeries. Understanding and addressing their threat is critical for patient safety.
Overcoming Challenges to Eye Device Reprocessing: A 3-Year Study
October 25th 2023A recent American Journal of Infection Control study, led by Katharine Hoffman, MPH, CIC, LSSGB, and Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC, applies Lean Six Sigma to improve eye device reprocessing. The research highlights the challenges, emphasizes adherence to manufacturer instructions, and promotes best practices for patient safety.
Protecting HCWs: Plague Doctor's Masks to the Personal Protective Equipment of Tomorrow
September 15th 2023Plague doctors' historical attire was an early form of PPE. While modern PPE has improved, the quest for better, more comfortable protection continues as we aim for a future where health care workers can provide care confidently.
OIG's Adverse Events Toolkits: Preventing Patient Harm
July 17th 2023As an oversight agency for the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Medicare and Medicaid programs, with a huge priority being patient care. These toolkits provide additional guidance on how to avoid patient injury.
Retaining and Developing the IPs of Tomorrow: How to Find Meaning as an Infection Preventionist
May 23rd 2023Infection preventionists come from many different backgrounds. However, many left the field during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will require creative methods to preserve existing IP staff and educate those entering the field.
Ultrasound in Percutaneous Procedures: One Size Does Not Fit All for Reprocessing
Accurate device information and proper sterilization or disinfection are crucial to ensure safety during ultrasound procedures.