There is a time and a place for immediate-use sterilization. Answers to 5 common questions about acceptable practices.

The highlights of low-temperature sterilization. These reprocessing alternatives keep sensitive instruments out of the autoclave.

Get a preview of AORN's new skin prepping guidelines. Let a growing body of evidence govern your bedside practice.

The details of decontamination. The safety of your surgical instruments depends on these 5 factors.

Does your high-level disinfection hack it? Research highlights the importance of renewed focus on proper endoscope reprocessing.

Your options in whole room disinfection. Several systems take the human element out of cleaning OR surfaces.

The evolution of barrier protection. A review of the many ways that gloves, gowns, masks and drapes prevent infections.

Infection Prevention: What's up with TASS? Incidences are on the decline, but there's still work to be done.

The case for standardizing skin preps. The opportunity to reduce infections is just one of several benefits.

Bug zapper. Room-disinfection robots shoot beams of ultraviolet light to reduce the bacterial count on surfaces you might have missed.

Make orthopedic SSIs all but disappear. We're zeroing in on zero, using these 9 steps.

More than half of patients with SSIs return to hospital within 30 days. A study finds SSIs the best predictor of surgical readmissions.

Specialized surgical instruments had been previously used on a patient confirmed with Creuzfeldt-Jakob Disease. N.C. neuro patients face a fatal disease risk.

The microscopic residue of surgery and exams can cause big-time problems. Beware of the biofilm.

How to get your surgeons to comply with the revised guidelines. The CDC is expected to advocate alcohol-based skin preps.

Test your knowledge and review the evidence on this antiseptic patient preparation. What do you know about pre-op CHG showers?

Here's how to stay ahead in the battle against bioburden. 10 effective strategies for staying ahead with your surface disinfection.

Are Your Endoscopes Clean Enough? A manager's guide to successful reprocessing.

The quest for products that protect your skin as well as they prevent infection.

Shortcuts and slip-ups are more common than you might think. Endoscope reprocessing's dirty little secrets revealed.