Control of Microorganisms in the Operating Room

Why is the intraoperative sterile technique important?

To prevent any kind of contamination that could lead to infection

How is equipment sterilized to be reused between cases

Autoclave

What does the autoclave do to the instruments

expose them to very high heat under pressire

Are prions destroyed in the autoclave?

they may not be

Are bacterial endospores and viruses destroyed in the autoclave?

Yes

How are surgical tools loaded into an autoclave?

packed loosely onto tray and covered with cloth