title: Decontamination: back to basics.
abstract: My invitation from this Journal's Editor, Felicia Cox, to provide a paper for this themed issue, included the sentence 'I was wondering if you or a colleague would like to contribute a back to basics article on the relevant standards and guidelines for decontamination, including what is compliance?'. The reason it is so interesting to me is that the term 'back to basics' implies reverting to a simpler time in life - when by just sticking to the rules, life became easier. However, with decontamination this is not actually true.
authors: Southend University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
authors: Susan J
authors: SJ
authors: Meredith
authors: Geoff
authors: G
authors: Sjorgen
mesh_terms: D001512:Bedding and Linens; D004203:Disinfection / Q000592:standards; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017743:Equipment Reuse / Q000592:standards; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000592:standards; D013242:Sterilization / Q000592:standards; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000382:microbiology