The Hidden Dangers of Poor Instrument Turnaround: Why Timely Delivery Matters More Than You Think

In Sterile Processing, every step in the workflow matters. From the moment an instrument leaves the operating room to when it is returned, sterile and ready for use,

time, quality, and consistency directly impact patient care.

Unfortunately, one of the most overlooked issues in our field is delayed instrument delivery to the decontamination area. Whether due to scheduling conflicts, oversight, or logistical challenges, instruments that sit too long after use pose risks that go far beyond inconvenience.

Why Timely Delivery Matters: Industry guidelines, including AAMI ST79, state that instruments should be transported to decontamination as soon as possible, ideally within one hour of use. Delays allow bioburden to dry and harden, making cleaning more difficult, time-consuming, and potentially less effective. This can increase the risk of residual contamination, which may compromise sterilization and patient safety.

The Impact on Workflow: When instruments arrive late, especially the following day, the Sterile Processing team is forced to work reactively rather than proactively. Cases may be delayed, turnaround times extend, and staff may experience unnecessary pressure. A process that should take 3–4 hours from start to finish can become significantly longer when bioburden removal is harder or when unexpected late deliveries disrupt the schedule.

Patient Safety Comes First: At its core, sterile processing is about protecting the patient. Every delay, every shortcut, every breach of process has the potential to impact safety. Properly timed instrument delivery is not just about efficiency, it’s about ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of care.

A Call to Action: Departments can address this challenge by reinforcing education with clinical teams, reviewing transport protocols, and ensuring that all instruments are delivered to Sterile Processing every evening, even if the case ends late in the day. Consistency protects the workflow, the staff, and most importantly, the patient.

Timely delivery isn’t just a best practice, it’s the standard. Let’s uphold it, together.