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.

Tag: Sterilization

522 Order Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) High-Level Disinfection Semicritical Devices Spaulding's Device Classification Sterilization Superbugs

New Guidance for Hospitals Considering the Sterilization of Flexible Endoscopes A newly developed 3-tiered classification scheme based on the risk of multidrug-resistant infections is discussed.

May 30, 2019 Lawrence F Muscarella PhD

May 30, 2019 — New guidance designed to help medical facilities considering replacing high-level disinfection with sterilization of flexible endoscopes, including duodenoscopes, has just been published. This guidance is based…

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…

You missed

Aseptic Technique Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) Joint Commission (JCAHO) Multisociety Guidance Position Statement

Immediate Use Steam Sterilization for Surgical Instruments: Dr. Muscarella’s Guidance and Position Statement

November 26, 2025 Lawrence F Muscarella PhD
Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) Instrument Reprocessing Joint Commission (JCAHO) Monitoring Rinse Water Multisociety Guidance Rigid Laryngoscopes Sheaths Spaulding's Device Classification

Dr. Muscarella’s Review of the New Multisociety Guidance for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities

November 11, 2025 Lawrence F Muscarella PhD
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Endoscope-Associated Infections Healthcare Quality, Safety Healthcare-Acquired Infections Medicare's HAC Reduction Program

A Proposal to Include ‘Endoscope-Associated Infections’ as a Reportable Medicare Measure to Promote Patient Safety

July 28, 2025 Lawrence F Muscarella PhD
Adverse Event Reports Food and Drug Administration Food Drug and Cosmetic Act Informed Consent Medical Device Reports (MDRs) Misbranded Devices Patient Notification Warning letters (FDA)

Hundreds of Thousands of Device Reports Were Submitted Late to FDA, a New Study Has Found, Raising Safety Questions

May 13, 2025 Lawrence F Muscarella PhD