Failure of sterile precautions during surgical operation

This code signifies a breakdown in the aseptic techniques or protocols intended to prevent contamination during a surgical procedure. It indicates that sterile barriers, instruments, or fields were compromised, potentially leading to an increased risk of infection for the patient.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a failure of sterile precautions occurred during a surgical operation, regardless of whether an infection developed. This includes instances like a break in the sterile field, contamination of instruments, or non-adherence to aseptic technique by surgical staff.

• Always look for explicit documentation of "failure of sterile precautions" or similar language.
• Do not assign this code solely based on a post-operative infection; the documentation must specify the sterile precaution failure.
• This code is for the event of failed precautions, not the resulting complications. Code any subsequent infection separately.