Best practice forum: standard high level disinfection protocol development

ORL Head Neck Nurs. 2003 Spring;21(2):18-21.

Abstract

Gluteraldehyde-based high-level disinfection (HLD) poses significant safety risks for staff and patients as well as institutional cost concerns. A value analysis team reviewed HLD practices, available products, and environmental requirements in view of the literature and standards developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Institutional areas were identified and standardized unit-specific educational and competency programs were established. The overall use of gluteraldehyde-based HLD was decreased in this institution based on the findings and policy and procedure modification.

MeSH terms

  • Benchmarking*
  • Clinical Competence / standards
  • Clinical Protocols / standards*
  • Disinfection / methods
  • Disinfection / standards*
  • Education, Nursing, Continuing
  • Endoscopes / microbiology
  • Equipment Contamination / prevention & control*
  • Glutaral / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / education
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control
  • Occupational Health*

Substances

  • Glutaral