Immediate-use steam sterilization may be a safe method to quickly sterilize recently contaminated surgical instruments, but researchers say inappropriate use led to an increased risk of surgical site infections. To assess risk factors that may increase the likelihood of immediate-use steam sterilization, the researchers compared hip and knee arthroplasty cases in which immediate-use steam sterilization was performed (104 cases) or not performed (81 cases).
An assessment of these cases revealed the following four risk factors:
• History of malignancy
• Obesity
• Procedure is performed in operating room 13
• Procedure is performed on Monday
The researchers also concluded cases performed in the morning can decrease the likelihood of immediate-use steam sterilization.
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