From the Sterile Core to the Decision Table: Elevating the Voice of MDR Professionals

The Unseen Guardians of Safety

Every safe surgery begins in the sterile core. Medical device reprocessing (MDR) professionals ensure instruments, trays, and personal protective equipment (PPE) meet the highest standards of protection.

But protection isn’t just for patients. MDR teams need the same safeguards for themselves: proper PPE, secure packaging, and strict compliance. Centre for Disease Control (CDC) data shows nearly 3% of surgical patients develop surgical site infections (SSIs), and American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) studies link up to 30% of these infections to lapses in sterile processing or barrier failure. MDR expertise is essential to preventing these outcomes.

“When you feel protected you are better able to protect others.”

Raising the Standard: Compliance Matters

MDR teams see risks first, from torn wraps to failed PPE, or missed protocols, before they affect patients or staff. Compliance isn’t paperwork; it’s protection. Facilities that consistently follow sterile processing standards report 25–50% fewer reprocessing errors and significantly lower SSI rates. Speaking up when standards aren’t met protects everyone.

Empowerment Through Expertise

The strongest MDR professionals don’t just follow standards, they share insights that elevate them.

Providing feedback, suggesting improvements, and contributing expertise strengthens infection prevention and control (IPAC)and occupational health & safety (OHS) outcomes. Research shows that healthcare facilities with empowered frontline staff who regularly speak up about safety report 20–30% fewer protocol deviations and measurable reductions in infection risk (BMJ Quality & Safety, 2021).

• Low-quality, poorly regulated or improperly maintained sterile     barriers = patient risk
• Poorly fitting or insufficient PPE = reduced protection and staff     exposure
• Unreliable or interrupted supply = workflow disruption and     compromised safety

When MDR voices are a part of decision making, compliance improves, and patient safety strengthens across the system.

“Speaking up is leadership in action.”

Partners in Protection

Safety grows through collaboration. MDR professionals and industry partners should share one goal: protecting people. By sharing feedback and shaping standards, MDR teams help design safer systems for everyone.

“At PRIMED, we work hard to reflect your commitment to protection, sharing your goal of keeping patients, healthcare workers, and the entire care system safe.”

Conclusion

MDR professionals protect patients and themselves. Expect the highest standards. Demand proper protection. Speak up when something falls short.

This MDR Week, we celebrate your courage, precision, and unwavering commitment to protecting every patient, and yourself.

Our vision is to protect 100 million people. Our goal is to protect you.

Sources:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. AHRQ Safety Program for Surgery: Final Report. Rockville, MD, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Dec. 2017. AHRQ Publication No.16(18)-0004-1-EF. https://www.ahrq.gov/hai/tools/surgery/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surgical Site Infection Event (SSI) Protocol. National Healthcare Safety Network, Jan. 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/pscmanual/9pscssicurrent.pdf

Seidelman, Jessica L., et al. “Surgical Site Infection Prevention: A Review.” JAMA, vol. 329, no. 3, 17 Jan.2023, pp. 244–252. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36648463/

Shaffer, Harry L., et al. “New Study Provides Additional Insight into Efficacy of Sterile Packaging Systems.” Infection Control Today, 29 Nov. 2015, https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/new-study-provides-additional-insight-efficacy-sterile-packaging-systems.

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