Preventing infection in the surgical patient is a primary goal for the perioperative nurse. Infection prevention has become an area of greater scrutiny today, as healthcare professionals are continually challenged by new pathogens and multi-drug resistant organisms, as well as the increased economic pressures to reduce healthcare- associated infections. One key measure in reducing the risk for surgical site infections is to provide surgical instruments and devices that are sterile at the time of use. Under certain clinical conditions, instruments may be subjected to an immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS) process utilizing rigid containers. While this is a practice in many operating rooms today, the when, where, and how are often misunderstood. This continuing education activity will provide an overview of the clinical considerations related to the use of IUSS using rigid containers. It will provide a brief overview of both the clinical and economic impact of surgical site infections today. The current guidelines and professional recommendations that outline the indications for IUSS and the use of rigid containers will be reviewed. Considerations for the proper use and care of rigid container systems for IUSS will be discussed.