Flash sterilization: Back to basics

Imagine this scenario: The Joint Commission surveyor arrives in the surgical services suite and asks about the use of flash sterilization. He or she is escorted to the location of one of the flash sterilizers just as the tray of items is being removed by a staff person. The staff member uses a folded towel to avoid burning himself, and in the presence of the unmasked visitors, whisks the open tray of “sterilized” instruments into the adjoining operating room, at the last minute grabbing a surgical mask and holding it over his face. And the surveyor questions begin.

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