AORN26: OR–SPD Collaboration Reduces Instrument Contamination and Improves Surgical Efficiency

Instrument contamination remains a persistent and often underrecognized risk in perioperative care, with implications that extend beyond infection prevention to operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. At the 2026 (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo (AORN26), a poster presentation, “Decreasing Instrument Contamination Rates Through SPD Partnership and Collaboration” from Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) highlighted how intentional collaboration between the operating room (OR) and sterile processing department (SPD) can significantly reduce contamination rates and improve outcomes.

Presented by Jade O. Boyd, MSN, RN, CNOR, nurse manager at NGHS, and coauthored by Lily Cantu, BSN, RN, charge nurse and coordinator at NGHS, the initiative focused on addressing contamination in surgical trays through strengthened interdisciplinary partnerships.

A Risk That Impacts Both Safety and Efficiency

Contaminated instruments pose an immediate threat to patient safety. When contaminated trays are identified, cases may be delayed or canceled, increasing the risk of infection and disrupting surgical workflows.

These disruptions have cascading effects. Surgical delays reduce OR efficiency, limit the number of patients who can be treated, and contribute to dissatisfaction among both patients and surgeons. In a high-demand environment, even small inefficiencies can quickly escalate into broader operational challenges.

The NGHS team recognized that reducing contamination required more than procedural fixes. It required alignment between the teams responsible for instrument preparation and those using them in the OR.

Moving Beyond Silos

Historically, SPD and OR teams have operated in parallel, with limited visibility into each other’s workflows. This separation can create gaps in communication, expectations, and accountability.

The NGHS initiative sought to bridge that divide by prioritizing collaboration between perioperative leaders and SPD staff. By working together, both teams were better able to identify sources of contamination, address inconsistencies, and standardize processes.

This partnership model reflects a broader shift in perioperative practice, where success depends on shared ownership of outcomes rather than isolated responsibilities.

Collaboration as a Core Strategy

At the center of the initiative was a simple but powerful concept: meaningful reductions in contamination require active collaboration with SPD leadership.

Rather than approaching contamination as a downstream issue, the team engaged SPD partners early in the process. This allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of how instruments are cleaned, assembled, transported, and handled in the OR. Through this collaboration, opportunities for improvement became clearer. Teams were able to align expectations, reinforce best practices, and create more consistent workflows across departments.

Impact on Patient Safety and Workflow

Reducing instrument contamination has direct implications for infection prevention. Clean, properly processed instruments are fundamental to maintaining sterile technique and preventing surgical site infections.

At the same time, improvements in contamination rates contribute to smoother surgical operations. Fewer delays mean more predictable schedules, better resource utilization, and improved patient flow.

For patients, this translates into shorter wait times and greater confidence in the safety and reliability of their care. For clinicians, it reduces frustration and supports more efficient practice.

Implications for Infection Prevention Professionals

For infection preventionists, this initiative reinforces the importance of collaboration across departments. Surveillance and policy development are essential, but they must be paired with strong relationships and communication at the operational level.

SPD professionals are critical partners in this work. Their expertise in cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization is central to preventing contamination before instruments ever reach the OR.

By engaging SPD teams as equal stakeholders, infection prevention programs can strengthen adherence, improve outcomes, and address risks more effectively.

A Model for System-Wide Improvement

The NGHS initiative offers a practical model for other health systems facing similar challenges. By focusing on partnership, communication, and shared accountability, organizations can address both clinical and operational risks associated with instrument contamination.

As perioperative environments become increasingly complex, the need for integrated approaches will continue to grow. The work presented at AORN26 highlights a key takeaway for infection prevention and perioperative leaders alike: Meaningful improvement is not achieved in isolation. It is built through collaboration, alignment, and a shared commitment to patient safety.

Read Infection Control Today for more AORN26 coverage.