Infection Prevention Through Proper Sterilization: Supporting Consistency in Instrument Processing

November 6, 2025

The Ongoing Challenge of Infection Prevention

Infection prevention has always been a shared responsibility across the care team—but maintaining consistency in sterilization protocols can be one of the toughest parts. Each instrument processed represents both patient safety and staff protection. When workflows vary, so can outcomes.

Instrument processing is a critical part of the infection prevention strategy, but it’s also can be one of the most labor-intensive and highly regulated tasks in healthcare. Staff shortages, competing demands and increasing compliance requirements can make it difficult to maintain consistent processes across every location and shift. That’s where thoughtful workflow design, proven technology and evidence-based best practices make a difference.

Why Consistency Matters in Instrument Processing

From a compliance perspective, every step matters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and AAMI ST79¹ guidelines emphasize that effective sterilization depends on complete cleaning, correct packaging, appropriate cycle parameters and thorough drying and storage. Missing just one step can compromise sterility and introduce risk.

Midmark instrument processing solutions are designed to help standardize and simplify these essential processes. Whether you’re reprocessing a single tray or managing a full-scale sterilization center, the right equipment, layout and workflow can promote safer, more consistent outcomes for patients and staff alike.

A Proven Five-Step Workflow for Proper Sterilization

Effective infection prevention in non-acute settings relies heavily on proper instrument processing. To make compliance easier to understand and implement, Midmark developed a 5-step instrument processing workflow—a simplified approach built around best practices.

The CDC and AAMI¹ recommend following a dirty-to-clean workflow to help mitigate contamination and maximize efficiency. The Midmark 5-step process translates that guidance into a practical, repeatable framework for facilities:

1. Receiving and Decontamination: Collect contaminated instruments in puncture-resistant containers and clean with the assistance of automated equipment like the Midmark QuickClean® Ultrasonic Cleaner to remove debris safely and effectively.

2. Preparation and Packaging: Inspect, assemble and package instruments according to the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).

3. Sterilization: Process instruments following the manufacturer's IFU using FDA-cleared medical devices such as Midmark M9® and M11® Steam Sterilizers to ensure validated, consistent sterilization cycles.

4. Monitoring/Sterility Assurance: Verify efficacy through mechanical, chemical and biological monitoring.

5. Storage: Store wrapped, sterilized instruments in a closed or covered, dry location separate from contaminated areas.

Each step reinforces the one before it—creating a repeatable process that helps protect patients, staff and compliance integrity.

Workflow Design Insights That Support Compliance

Workflow design isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about ensuring that every process in your sterilization area supports efficiency, compliance and safety. A well-structured space can help staff move seamlessly from receiving to storage, reduce the risk of cross-contamination and strengthen adherence to CDC, AAMI¹ and FGI guidelines.

Regardless of the size or shape of your instrument processing area, choosing an equipment layout that supports a standardized, reproducible workflow can make it easier for teams to maintain consistency and compliance across shifts and locations.

A few key layout considerations that can make a meaningful difference include:

• Dirty-to-clean workflow: Maintaining clear separation between contaminated and sterile zones helps contain bioburden and reduce cross-contamination risk.

• Dual sinks for instruments: One designated for initial cleaning and another for final rinsing support best practices and IFU adherence.

• Adequate counter space: Ensures staff can safely sort, inspect and package instruments without congestion.

• Proper airflow and moisture control: Protects sterile packages and supports environmental compliance.

• Configurable cabinetry and storage: Modular cabinetry can help facilities adapt to evolving best practices and regulatory changes without full rebuilds.

When the environment supports the process, every step—from cleaning to storage—can be performed more efficiently and with greater confidence.

Simplifying Compliance Through Technology

The next generation of Midmark® Steam Sterilizers bring automation and intelligence to the process.

• M9 and M11 Steam Sterilizers feature an intuitive touchscreen interface that simplifies operation, multilingual guidance and automated recordkeeping—helping reduce documentation errors and support audit readiness.

• QuickClean® Ultrasonic Cleaners offer consistent, hands-free cleaning that decreases exposure to sharps and contaminants.

Together, these solutions can streamline sterilization workflows, improve process adherence and free clinical staff to focus more on patient care while maintaining compliance confidence.

Infection Prevention as a Continuous Practice

Infection prevention isn’t a single protocol—it’s an ongoing culture of vigilance and consistency. Every step in instrument processing supports safer care, reduced variability and stronger compliance.

By standardizing workflows, leveraging reliable technology and maintaining clear separation between clean and contaminated zones, your team can strengthen infection prevention practices and confidence across every facility in your network.

Explore Midmark Instrument Processing Solutions

Additional Reading

Explore more infection prevention insights and resources from Midmark:

• Instrument Processing Workflow Guide

• Steam Sterilization and Compliance Essentials

• Designing to Ensure the Quality of Instrument Processing Webinar

• Sterile Processing Simplified: Best Practices for Ambulatory Sterilization Rooms

• Infection Prevention Strategies in Non-Acute Healthcare Environments

• Steam Sterilization Medical Devices: Latest Innovations

1 ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities. Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).