Surgery and Infection Prevention

Primary Listings

CDC Guide to Infection Prevention (Outpatient): Minimum Expectations

Summary and Guide to Infection Prevention in Outpatient Settings: Minimum Expectations for Safe Care, prepared by CDC for clinics, physician offices, ambulatory surgery. Based on existing evidence-based guidelines. Updated 2016.

Hand Washing Hand Hygiene Video (one minute) Editor's Pick

Hand Washing, Hand Hygiene video by the CDC. Take one minute to view the online youtube video for proper handwashing technique and guidelines to help prevent infections. CDC epidemiologist presents the basics – really fast. People often miss washing the thumb and index finger, as well as the finger tips on both hands. Plan to wash and scrub for 20 seconds, about as long as it takes to hum your favorite school fight song.

Infection Prevention Basics for Consumers (APIC)

Find the basics on infection prevention for consumers, from APIC. Learn how patients and families can break the chain of infection inside and outside of healthcare settings. The Association For Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) provides monthly alerts. Formerly PreventInfection.org

When Should Antibiotics be given to prevent Surgical Site Infections?

Should antibiotics be given to patients in order to prevent surgical site infections? According to the Merck Manual: “Most surgical procedures do not require prophylactic or postoperative antibiotics. However, certain patient-related and procedure-related factors alter the risk/benefit ratio in favor of prophylactic use.” Specific surgeries and patient factors are addressed. Written in clinical language. Updated November 2020.