"Prevention is the first line of defense in the fight against infection. As antibiotics and other antimicrobials encounter increasing reports of microbial resistance, the field of decontamination science is undergoing a major revival. A Practical Guide to Decontamination in Healthcare is a comprehensive training manual, providing practical guidance on all aspects of decontamination including: microbiology and infection control; regulations and standards; containment, transportation, handling, cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of patient used devices; surgical instrumentation; endoscopes; and quality management systems. Written by highly experienced professionals, A Practical Guide to Decontamination in Healthcare comprises a systematic review of decontamination methods, with uses and advantages outlined for each. Up-to-date regulations, standards and guidelines are incorporated throughout, to better equip healthcare professionals with the information they need to meet the technical and operational challenges of medical decontamination"-- Provided by publisher.