Conclusion

When properly used, disinfection and sterilization can ensure the safe use of invasive and non-invasive medical devices. However, current disinfection and sterilization guidelines must be strictly followed.

Additional information about disinfection and sterilization is available at the following dedicated websites:

Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland
[This link is no longer active: http://www.fda.gov/dcrh/ode/germlab.html.]

Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
Selected EPA-registered DisinfectantsExternal

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI)

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Disinfection and SterilizationExternal