PUBLIC COMMENT - AORN Guideline for Care and Cleaning of Surgical Instruments

The AORN Guideline for Care and Cleaning of Surgical Instruments will be available for public comment June 13, 2025 - July 13, 2025 at Online Public Commenting. This document provides guidance for cleaning surgical instruments, including point-of-use treatment, transport, decontamination, inspection, and general care of reusable medical devices (eg, surgical instruments). Guidance is also provided for the selection of cleaning chemicals (eg, detergent, enzymatic cleaners, disinfectant), selection of decontamination equipment, monitoring and control of water quality, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) that must be worn during cleaning and care of instruments. Special considerations are addressed for processing ophthalmic instruments, processing laryngoscope blades and handles, and minimizing the risk for transmitting prion diseases from contaminated reusable medical devices.