Failure of sterile precautions during heart catheterization

This code signifies a complication arising from inadequate adherence to sterile techniques during a heart catheterization procedure. It indicates that a breach in aseptic protocols occurred, potentially increasing the risk of infection or other adverse events for the patient.

This code is appropriate when documentation explicitly states a failure of sterile precautions during a cardiac catheterization, regardless of whether an infection or other complication has yet manifested. It should be used to report the procedural mishap itself, even if subsequent infection codes are also assigned.

• Assign this code as a secondary diagnosis to indicate the cause of a potential or actual complication.
• Ensure the medical record clearly documents the specific sterile precaution failure during the heart catheterization.
• Do not use this code for general infections following a heart catheterization if a specific failure of sterile precautions is not documented.