Discussions in Infection Control

An independent site by Lawrence F Muscarella PhD -- a national authority on the causes and prevention of healthcare-associated infections and related errors.

Category: Biological Indicators

Best Practices Biological Indicators Biopsy Forceps Central Sterile Processing Critical Device Classifications Endoscope Reprocessing Flexible "ENT" Laryngoscopes Hepatitis (B and C) Viruses High-Level Disinfection HIV Infection Prevention Instrument Reprocessing Intermediate-Level Disinfection Low-Level Disinfection Low-Temperature Sterilization Noncritical ortho-phthalaldehyde Prions Rigid Arthroscopes Semicritical Devices

Disinfection or Sterilization of a Contaminated Reusable Instrument?

September 4, 2013 Lawrence F Muscarella PhD

Selection of the “right” sterilization or disinfection process, or technology, for reprocessing a specific type of reusable instrument may not always be straightforward. This is often because the instrument is…

Aseptic Technique Biological Indicators Chemical Indicators Infection Prevention Quality Assurance Sterility Assurance Level STERIS System 1 STERIS System 1E

Types and Characteristics of Biological Indicators for Monitoring Sterilization Processes

March 22, 2013 Lawrence F Muscarella PhD

Note: Dr. Muscarella is accepting new clients seeking guidance in infection prevention, hospital infections, instrument reprocessing, and other related topics. April 30, 2013 (By Lawrence F Muscarella, PhD) — A…

ABTOX Plazlyte System Adulterated Devices Automated Endoscope Reprocessors Biological Indicators Disease Transmission Endoscope Damage Food and Drug Administration Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization Infection Prevention Instrument Reprocessing Investigational Devices Liquid Chemical Sterilization Low-Temperature Sterilization Misbranded Devices Peracetic Acid Sleeping Dogs Sterilization STERIS STERIS System 1 STERIS System 1E

History of the STERIS System 1: A Detailed Review

January 9, 2013 Lawrence F Muscarella PhD

September 18, 2013 — This article discusses the history of the STERIS System 1 Liquid Chemical Processor and its de facto recall (by the Food and Drug Administration). Click here…

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Dr. Muscarella’s Recent Recommendations to Medicare to Prevent Hospital-Acquired Infections

September 16, 2024 Lawrence F Muscarella PhD
Case Reviews Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cosmetic Surgery Mycobacterium abscessus Nontuberculous Mycobacteria ("NTM") Outbreak Investigations Public Disclosure

15 Patients Infected with Mycobacteria After Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery at a South Florida Clinic

May 6, 2024 Lawrence F Muscarella PhD