title: Decontamination and control of infection in theatre.
abstract: Decontamination covers all aspects of reprocessing of reusable equipment. It is understandable that patient well-being is perceived to take precedence over infection control. Unfortunately the spread of infection is based on the opportunity for organisms able to move from a controlled area to the patient or staff. Continued vigilance and adherence to good practice is essential to combat the ever-present problem. This article covers the problem of local decontamination within the theatre complex, and sources of potential infection are identified and discussed.
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Line
mesh_terms: D000389:Air Conditioning / Q000379:methods; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000592:standards*; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000382:microbiology / Q000592:standards*