What should be done immediately after identifying a sterilized item with a failed biological indicator?

When identifying a sterilized item with a failed biological indicator, it is crucial to prioritize patient safety and infection control. Quarantining the item and re-sterilizing is the appropriate response because the failure of a biological indicator suggests that the sterilization process may not have effectively killed all microorganisms present. By quarantining the item, you ensure that it is not used until its sterility can be confirmed, thereby preventing any risk of infection or complications for patients.

Re-sterilization is the next logical step after quarantine, as it allows the facility to address the issue and ensure that the item is truly sterile before it’s available for use again. This response adheres to the standards of practice and protocols in sterile processing, which emphasize the importance of thorough verification of sterilization processes before any surgical or invasive procedures.

Using the item anyway, documenting the failure and continuing, or returning the item to the sterilizer without appropriate action would compromise safety and could lead to serious repercussions, including potential harm to patients. Therefore, taking immediate action by quarantining and re-sterilizing is the safest and most responsible approach in this situation.