Analysis of microbial contamination during use and reprocessing of surgical instruments and sterile packaging systems.

A surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common surgical complications. This study analyzed different sources of microorganisms in the air, on reusable surgical instruments, and the outer surface of sterile packaging systems during the use and reprocessing of sterile goods (from the operating room (OR) to the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD)). The microbial load in the air was analyzed via active air sampling and settle plates.