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Healthcare Articles from the Press
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That’s according to Dr. William Rutala, director of the Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology and professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina. At the 2025 edition of the KILMER conference, Rutala took a wide-lens view of his field. Drawing on his decades of experience and more than 700 scientific publications, he discussed new sterilization technologies, surface disinfection, endoscope sterilization, ethylene oxide, and more.
04/01/25
Measuring SPD Productivity is a Vital Task
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CHL, CIS, FCS
n many businesses, including healthcare, productivity is often tied to profit or loss. Focusing on output instead of the demand for products and services poses a challenge, however, because an individual or team can be considered productive, even when they struggle to meet customer demands and needs. In the sterile processing department (SPD), for example, a technician could feel satisfied by their efforts and output but still fail to keep up due heavy procedural volume as well as limited instrumentation and other resources.
4/11/25
Flexible Endoscopes
Damage and Impact
EndoPro Magazine
Preventable GI endoscope damage can primarily be avoided by following proper handling practices during procedures; thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols after each use; scrutinizing the endoscope for any defects, and storing it correctly to prevent physical damage, including avoiding excessive bending or twisting of the insertion tube; using appropriate cleaning accessories; not forcing instruments through channels; performing leak tests regularly; and storing the scope in a designated, well-ventilated cabinet; all while adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions for use
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4/07/25
Enhancing Patient Safety With a Unique Device Identification Tracking System
By Tori Whitacre Martonicz
In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of surgical care, precision is non-negotiable—especially when tracking surgical instruments. At the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo held from April 5 to 9, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, a poster presented by Pingtung Veterans General Hospital and Weiho University unveiled a groundbreaking solution: a Unique Device Identification (UDI) barcode tracking system designed to bring traceability, safety, and efficiency to the surgical environment.
04/01/25
How Ultrasonic Cleaning Enhances Patient Safety
By Rebecca Leach, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC
The cleaning and disinfecting of reusable medical instruments and devices is a crucial process in patient safety for health care facilities. Sterile processing departments are often overlooked in their importance to the entire facility, but infection preventionists need to have a working understanding of all the steps, various types of equipment involved, and potential points of risk for disease transmission that can occur.
3/24/25
Beyond Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization: Ensuring Safe and Efficient Sterilization in the Operating Room
By Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB
03/01/25
Automation in the Sterile Processing DepartmentImproving efficiency and quality without stressing the system
Kara Nadeau
02/23/25
Measuring SPD Productivity is a Vital Task
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CHL, CIS, FCS
2/18/25
The Case for Single-Use Spine Instruments
Outpatient Surgery Magazine
01/30/25
A Closer Look at High-Reliability Organizations in Endoscopy
Lisa Heard, MSN RN CGRN CPHQ CPPS
1/28/25
AAMI Updates Materials Compatibility Guidance for EO, Other Modalities
AAMI
01/21/25
Leading SPDs with Empathy, Gratitude
By David Taylor
01/15/25
Pioneering Advances in Sterilization: The Future of Infection Control
By Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB
1/08/25
Clean the Chamber Drain Strainer to Aid Autoclave Performance
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
12/31/24
Back to Basics in the SPD
Kara Nadeau
12/11/24
Improve Employee Recruitment and Retention for SPD
By Marie Brewer, CST, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, GTS, CLSSBB
11/19/24
Smart Handling of Scopes Saves Time and Money While Safeguarding Care
Kara Nadeau
11/14/24
Time is money: The impact of case duration inaccuracies on surgical departments
IMO Health
11/08/24
Standardizing Packaging for All Kinds of Sterile Device Transportation
by OR Today Magazine | AAMI
11/07/24
How Cleaning Medical Equipment Directly Affects Patient Safety and Equipment Longevity
By Jinesh Patel, MBA, MS
11/06/24
AORN Updating Guideline for Sterilization
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
10/26/24
Clean the Chamber Drain Strainer to Aid Autoclave Performance
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
10/22/24
Quiz: Are your instruments actually sterile?
Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC
10/16/24
New fluorescent light technology detects hidden bacteria in wounds
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
10/10/24
How SPDs and ORs Can Manage Missing Instruments
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
10/08/24
Instrument Containment, Transport and Storage Success Stories
And product solutions designed for efficacy, safety and efficiency
By Kara Nadeau
9/26/24
Every-Load Monitoring in Low-Temperature Sterilization: A Solution to Device Complexity and Failure RisksBy Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB
9/24/24
Addressing Sterile Processing Instrument Errors With Advanced Technology and Data Insights
By Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB
9/19/24
Library of Standards, Guidelines for SPDs: Do You Have These Essential Ones?
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
9/18/24
Reduce Risk of SSIs from Surgical Attire, Stethoscopes & Personal Items
By: Periop Today
09/12/24
The Patient Safety Partnership: OR, SP & IP
By Don Sadler
8/21/24
When Should Safety Showers & Emergency Eyewashes Be Used?
Alexandra Schirn
8/15/24
New Consensus on the Sterilization of Single-Use Systems for Manufacturing
AAMI
8/13/24
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center Resumes Surgeries
By Janette Wider
8/08/24
Artificial Intelligence Aims to Standardize Endoscopy Inspection
By Chase Doyle
08/06/24
Internal Damage and the SPD
Author: Garrett Hollembeak
8/01/24
New Guidance for Processing and Handling of Probes, Dilators and Accessories
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, FCS, CHL, CIS, AAMIf
7/30/24
Quarterly Check-ins Give SP Leadership a Boost
David Taylor
7/24/24
Study Explores Borescope Inspections of Surgical Instrument Lumens
by OR Today Magazine
7/18/24
Bioburden Bible: Identifying and Reprocessing Human Bioburden in Instrument Reprocessing
Pure Processing
07/11/24
Progressive Discipline in the SPD: When & Why?
David Taylor,Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum
7/09/24
Education & Training: The Case for Sterile Processing Certification
By: Casey Czarnowski, BA, CRCST, CSPDT, CIS, CER
7/02/24
Staffing: Overcome Budget Challenges
By: Raghu Reddy, MBA
06/27/24
10 Key Considerations in Instrument Reprocessing Site Selection
Kara Nadeau
6/26/24
Internal Damage and the SPD
Author: Garrett Hollembeak
06/20/24
Microbicidal Maintenance: What Is It? Why Use It?
By Shigeharu Yamauchi and Todd Mikowski, Nichia Corporation
6/19/24
Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer Standard Updated to Reflect Technological Changes
Author: Dan Visnovsky
6/13/24
Common inspection points for surgical instrumentation
By: Susan Klacik, BS, FCS, ACE, CHL, CIS, CRCST, AAMIF
6/11/24
New Guidance on Dilator and Ultrasound Processing for Health Care Facilities of Any Size
by OR Today Magazine
6/06/24
AAMI and AORN Guidance Document Updates Affect SPDs
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
06/05/24
Proposed Revisions to the Infection Prevention and Control (IC) Chapter Requirements for the Ambulatory Health Care (AHC) Program Field Review
The Joint Commission
6/04/24
Sterile Processing Leaders: Are You Keeping Track of IFU and Manufacturer Updates?
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
5/29/24
Top 5 most challenging requirements for 2023
The Joint Commission
05/28/24
Ensuring Employee Safety and Health in Healthcare Sterile Processing: Best Practices
Zhan You Li
5/23/24
APIC New Report Calls for Action: Simplifying Medical Device Instructions for Use
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
05/21/24
Target 7: Report finds Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital ‘failed’ standard of patient care due to stained surgical instruments. What changes have been made?By Isabella Ledonne
5/16/24
Four Takeaways on Sterile Processing (and more) From a Military Surgical Tech
By: Matthew Nojiri
5/14/24
Reclaim Your Time and Recharge: The Power of Boundaries
Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC
05/09/24
FDA Announces Guidance on Medical Device Remanufacturing and Servicing
Infection Control Today® Editorial Staff
5/07/24
Enhancing Medical Education: The Journey of Colors Method in Sterilization Center Training
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
05/02/24
Map SPD Workflow to Increase Efficiencies, Eliminate Wasted Steps
BY TONY THURMOND, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
4/30/24
Preventing Surgical Site Infection in the OR: A Comprehensive Approach to Point-of-Use Instrument Care
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
4/23/24
Point-Counterpoint: Offsite vs. In-House Sterile Processing
By: Adam Taylor
04/18/24
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: The Urgent Need for Well-Fitted PPE in Health Care
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
4/17/24
Study Shows Majority of Surgical Site Infections Stem From Bacteria Acquired Before Patient Enters Hospital
Matt MacKenzie
04/11/24
Run SPD Like an Efficient, Effective Business
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR and Robert Leenan, BS, CRCST, CIS, CCSVP
4/09/24
How to Successfully Plan for Space, Equipment, Staff, and Workflows in Sterile Processing Departments
John Kimsey
4/04/24
AORN Updates Team Communication and Environment of Care Guidelines: Their Impact on SPD
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS, HSPA Clinical Educator
03/26/24
10 Urgent Patient Safety Challenges in 2024
Ashleigh Hollowell (Twitter)
3/21/24
Why OR leaders should revisit sterile processing basics
By: Uyen Vo, BSN, MBA
03/18/24
Reasons Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Essential for Hospitals
Ultra Clean Systems, Inc
3/13/24
Preventing High-Risk Exposures in Sterile Processing
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
3/10/24
Safe SP Practices Rely on Staff Doing Right Thing
By Julie E. Williamson
03/06/23
Fluid retention in endoscopes: A real-world study on drying effectiveness
By Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH
02/20/24
The Sterile Processing Department Digital Transformation
Kara Nadeau
02/19/24
The Cost Savings of Managing Your Instrument Trays Like Toyota
By: Casey Czarnowski, BA, CRCST, CSPDT, CIS, CER
02/14/24
Common Problems in Reprocessing: A First-hand Perspective to Address Challenges
By Hannah Schroeder, BSHA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER, Clinical Education Specialist at Pure Processing
2/13/24
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
02/07/23
Measuring SPD Productivity Vital to Safety, Quality
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CHL, CIS, FCS
01/31/24
Navigating AAMI ST91: Enhancing Patient Safety in Endoscope Processing
John Kimsey
01/30/24
Here’s What Sterile Processing Professionals Have on their Manufacturer IFU Wish Lists
Kara Nadeau
1/18/24
Do Not Use Synovo Total Hip Resurfacing System: FDA Safety Communication
01/03/24
SPDs: Stay Ready for Accreditation Surveys
By Monique L. Jelks, BA, MSOL, CRCST
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