Cleaning and disinfection of reusable items in Swedish hospitals.

1. In Sweden, every ward has one or two utility rooms equipped with a washer disinfector for cleaning and disinfection of such items as instruments and wash basins, and a flusher disinfector for cleaning and disinfection of bedpans/urinals and emptying of fluids. 2. Thermal disinfection of reusable items is accomplished in a sealed chamber with an efficient, controlled process--which is a simple, inexpensive, and reliable method for high-level disinfection. 3. The use of flusher and washer disinfectors in hospital wards, surgery areas, and critical care units is recommended to minimize the use of single-use items and provide a safer environment for patients and personnel.