Sterilisation. past confusions and current recommendations
Magennis, A.
Australian Family Physician 25(12): 1825-1829
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8495 PMID: 9009001 Document Number: 456067
Since 1990 more than 15 reference texts and guidelines from various bodies and organisations have been produced to assist or direct medical practitioners in their understanding of sterilisation and/or disinfection issues. Approximately 90% of these monographs is a rewrite of standard thoughts and approximately 10% represent new thoughts, often in contradiction to opinions published previously. As a result, much confusion exists. The most recent offering is that from the National Health and Medical Research Council titled Infection Control in the Health Care Setting. The stated aim of this publication is to 'establish a nationally accepted minimum standard for infection control'. Although an excellent document in many ways, it too adds to the confusion. This article reviews this document and places its recommendations into perspective with other authoritative works. A summary of what is now appropriate for general practitioners to do in their own clinical settings is also provided.