Does Hair Strand Cause Failure of Sterilization? A Controlled Experimental Study

The Surgical Instrument Sterilization Process

“…Furthermore, bioburden and foreign fibers also raise concern regarding tray sterility because these items could provide a nidus for bacteria, although studies are conflicting 2,35-38 . Bone fragments and blood on surgical instruments have grown bacterial colonies after undergoing sterilization 2,36 .…”

“…Cultures yielded bacterial colonies from only 1 contaminant; bone cement adhered to a Kirschner wire. In addition, foreign fibers such as silk, hair, and nylon can be effectively sterilized by steam sterilization and their presence does not warrant delaying procedures or the reprocessing of instruments 37,38 . The safest practice when bioburden is discovered in a surgical tray is to remove the contaminated items/tray from the OR.…”