Are you looking for a way to do a gap analysis or audit on your high-level disinfection (HLD) process? Completing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) Disinfection and Sterilization assessment could be the answer you are looking for! For many infection prevention (IP) teams, the real challenge begins after the assessment is finished.
To access the HLD ICAR, visit ICAR Tool for General Infection and Control (IPC) Across Settings - Module 5: High-level Disinfection and Sterilization Facilitator Guide.
Through this tool, facilities frequently identify gaps such as:
- • Inconsistent adherence to manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs)
- • Variability in HLD practices across departments
- • Limited staff competency validation or documentation
- • Environmental or workflow constraints that impact safe reprocessing
- • Uncertainty about how to prioritize findings or operationalize improvements
This is where partnership and subject-matter expertise become essential. CS Medical supports healthcare facilities not only with evidence-based reprocessing technologies, but with infection prevention expertise designed to help teams translate ICAR findings into sustainable improvement.
CS Medical offers for an Infection Preventionist review of ICAR results, which adds an important layer of perspective and an external review without internal bias. The collaborative approach helps IP teams and reprocessing departments feel supported while reinforcing accountability paired with regulatory confidence.
A CS Medical Infection Preventionist will work alongside hospital and ASC teams to:
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• Review ICAR findings objectively
Helping interpret assessment results through an infection prevention and regulatory lens — not just a checklist. -
• Align gaps with standards and IFUs
Supporting compliance with CDC, AAMI, AIUM, APIC, and manufacturer instructions without introducing unnecessary complexity. -
• Identify realistic workflow solutions
Recognizing the operational pressures departments face and helping teams implement changes that are achievable and defensible. -
• Strengthen education and competency validation
Assisting with staff education strategies that reinforce proper cleaning, HLD processes, and documentation expectations. -
• Support continuous improvement, not one-time fixes
Helping facilities move beyond “survey readiness” toward consistent, repeatable best practices that protect patients and staff.
The CDC ICAR assessment is not the finish line; it is the starting point for meaningful improvement. By combining CDC tools with CS Medical’s infection prevention expertise, facilities can reduce variability in HLD practices, improve staff competency and confidence, and increase overall safety by protecting patients, staff, and the probes themselves.
Assessment identifies the gaps. Partnership closes them. CS Medical is excited to partner with you to complete your HLD ICAR and identify solutions with you and your team.
Contact Jill Holdsworth, Medical Affairs Manager and Infection Preventionist, for assistance and questions on completing your HLD assessment.