Surgical Safeguards: Keeping Pathogens Out of the O.R.

Key Takeaways

• Reduce infection risk by following proper infection control practices throughout the surgical process
• Maintain sterile conditions with appropriate equipment, protective barriers, and surgical techniques
• Control the O.R. environment through proper cleaning, disinfection, and careful equipment handling
• Protect patients and staff by consistently following established infection prevention protocols

Each year, an estimated 40–50 million major surgeries are performed in the United States. As that number increases, so does the potential risk for acquiring a hospital-acquired infection (HAI). While basic sanitizing and contact precautions are always necessary in the fight against cross-contamination, going beyond the basics of infection control can reduce the risk of transmitting environmental pathogens in the O.R. even further.

Preventing Infection

Fortunately, a few simple, cost-effective measures can go a long way in helping to reduce the risk of infection. Just as strict adherence to hand hygiene is essential no matter the setting, so is equipping the O.R. with specially designed infection control supplies, such as AliMed’s VeriClean™ O.R. Table Straps, the only disinfectable O.R. Table Strap able to withstand repeated submersion in high-level, central processing disinfecting solutions.

Protecta-Coat™ Premium Coated Patient Positioners and Wedges, also from AliMed, feature a protective bonded vinyl coating that’s seamless, impervious to fluids, and embedded with ionic silver, one of the most potent and safest antimicrobials available. This supports improved workflow efficiency and greater clinical confidence across O.R settings.

For Arthroscopic Procedures, the AliMed® Fluid-Proof Arthroscopic Leg Holder combines dependable performance with easy-to-clean, fluid-resistant materials. Featuring a durable stainless-steel frame and seamless molded urethane pads, it is designed to withstand repeated disinfection while helping reduce cross-contamination concerns.

Another AliMed infection control product for the O.R. is the multi-purpose, single-patient-use AliStrap®, designed to support stringent infection control protocols.

Protect and Disinfect in the O.R. and Beyond

AliMed’s line of disinfectants, wipes, and other cleaning products make it quick and easy to protect any environment from dangerous pathogens.

• DisCide® ULTRA Disinfectant is the only one-step hospital-level disinfectant clinically proven to kill pathogens in one minute. Effective against TB, HBV, HBC, MRSA, E.coli, and more.
• PureGreen24™ disinfects hard, nonporous surfaces without bleaching and is effective against MRSA and Influenza A Flu (H1N1). Offers unique, 24-hour protection against staph, salmonella, and E. coli.