Decontamination, sterilization, and disinfection.

Creating and maintaining a sterile environment before and during the surgical procedure minimizes the patient's risk of acquiring a postoperative wound infection. The most important measure in preventing postoperative wound infection is the application of flawless aseptic technique principles. It is important that everyone understands their role in reducing the risk of infection to the surgical patient. Prevention of infection begins in central supply with the decontamination, assembly, preparation, and sterilization of surgical items and continues with the surgical team as it monitors the implementation of aseptic technique principles in the operating suite.