SHEA, in partnership with ASGE, APIC, AAMI, AORN, HSPA, IDSA, SGNA, and The Joint Commission, developed this multisociety infection prevention guidance document for individuals and organizations that engage in sterilization or high-level disinfection (HLD).
The supplementary material includes a summary of recommendations. The guidance provides an overview of the Spaulding Classification and considerations around manufacturers’ instructions for use (MIFUs). Its recommendations address point-of-use treatment prior to sterilization or HLD, preparation of reusable medical devices at the location of processing, sterilization, and immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS). This analysis was done by David J. Weber, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FSHEA, FRSM, and Emily Sickbert-Bennett, PhD, MS, CIC, FSHEA.