Disinfection, sterilization, and antisepsis: An overview and update.

BACKGROUND

Disinfection, sterilization, and antisepsis play a critical role in protecting patients from healthcare-associated infections. Numerous studies have emphasized the significant role of environmental surfaces, reusable medical and surgical devices, and hands in the transmission of healthcare pathogens.

METHODS

We searched published literature for articles that will appreciably improve disinfection and sterilization practices and antiseptic use in health care.

RESULTS

This paper describes the appropriate use of disinfectants, sterilization technologies, and antiseptics to reduce infection risk from environmental surfaces, reusable medical and surgical devices, and antiseptic usage in health care.

CONCLUSIONS

Faithful and appropriate use of disinfectants, decontamination, and sterilization technologies can now prevent virtually all infections associated with the environmental surfaces and reusable medical and surgical devices. Antiseptics are crucial in health care for preventing infections by reducing healthcare pathogens on hands before and after patient contact and skin preparation before invasive procedures.