People today assume that all hospital equipment and tools are sterilized. In the past, however, many people did not consider the benefit of sterilization and many hospitals did not sterilize their equipment.

In the late 19th century, an European doctors and scientists discovered the link between spreading germs and the harm caused to individuals. Based on these findings, hospitals and doctors adopted many safety procedures to require the sterilization of medical equipment. 

Today sterilization is required by law. However, that does not mean that diseases are not spread in hospitals because of unsterilized equipment. If you or anyone you know has received an infection from hospital equipment, contact the Washington medical malpractice lawyers of Fuller & Fuller at 800-570-4878.