Contact us now for a free 30-minute consultation
Healthcare Articles from the Press
To read past content click on the Articles, News, and the Blog links on the menu.
5/07/24
Enhancing Medical Education: The Journey of Colors Method in Sterilization Center Training
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
Health care workers and managers often discuss how to help the teams notice, learn, and remember the constantly changing information in the medical field.
05/02/24
Map SPD Workflow to Increase Efficiencies, Eliminate Wasted Steps
BY TONY THURMOND, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
Time can seem fleeting when balanced against the many time-consuming tasks that sterile processing (SP) professionals must complete each day. Thankfully, there are some prudent ways to help make the best use of every available minute and, at the same time, improve processes, service and employee satisfaction.
4/30/24
Preventing Surgical Site Infection in the OR: A Comprehensive Approach to Point-of-Use Instrument Care
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a serious threat to patients and healthcare systems and can be very expensive to treat. One potential cause of SSIs is contaminated surgical instruments. Reprocessing reusable medical devices (RMDs) is a complex, highly regulated process that involves multiple steps and must be carried out in a controlled environment by specially trained technicians. Any error or oversight during the reprocessing of RMDs can put patients at risk of harm.
4/23/24
Point-Counterpoint: Offsite vs. In-House Sterile Processing
By: Adam Taylor
Experts debate the pros and cons of each model.
We recently spoke with two experts: An administrator of an ambulatory surgery center that contracted with a third-party, offsite sterile processing facility after his ASC started a total joints service line, and a sterile processing clinical educator. The administrator says the model has been crucial to his center’s success, while the educator cautions that the offsite concept isn’t the best option for many facilities. Here’s what they said:
04/18/24
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: The Urgent Need for Well-Fitted PPE in Health Care
Tori Whitacre Martonicz
The design of lab coats, a fundamental piece of personal protective equipment (PPE), has remained virtually unchanged since its inception in the 19th century, and this significant design inequity can have life-threatening consequences. Beau Wangtrakuldee, PhD, founder and CEO of AmorSui, recently spoke with Infection Control Today® (ICT®) and has tips and insights on what the industry can and should do to ensure women's safety at work.
4/17/24S
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
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
12/19/23
Overkilling Uncertainty, New TIR Seeks Clarity for Interpreting Bioburden Data
By AAMI
2/14/23
Endoscope Reprocessing Challenges
By Don Sadler
12/11/23
Instrument Maintenance: Inspected, Tested and Repaired
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
12/05/23
URGENT: MEDICAL DEVICE REMOVALName: Soltive SuperPulsed Laser System – Fiber Strippers and Cleavers
11/28/23
SPD Ergonomics Planning Worth the Effort & Investment
By: David Taylor
11/27/23
Double Sinks Could Become a Future Standard
By: Adam Taylor
11/21/23
Preserving Package Integrity and Device Sterility: Essential Components of Patient Safety
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
11/20/23
The Psychology Behind Sterility
11/13/23
Sterile Processing Leaders, Do You Know How ST108 Affects Device Processing?
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
11/12/23
Don’t Sweat Your Next SPD Survey
10/23/23
Enzyme Activity vs. Temperature
10/18/23
Patient Safety Trifecta
By Don Sadler
10/16/23
Why Is an Enzymatic Detergent Essential in Ultrasonics?
Blog, Infection Control, Sterile Processing, Ultrasonics
10/11/23
KPIs Spur Powerful Sterile Processing Department Improvement
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR, and Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, AA, CRCST, CHL
10/03/23
How AORN’s Updated Design & Maintenance Guideline Affects SPDs
By Sue Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS, Clinical Educator, HSPA
09/28/23
The changing landscape of sterile processing storage and containment
Kara Nadeau
09/27/23
Verify Your Cleaning Methods! Insights from an AAMI Summit
By Brian Stallard
09/21/23
Keys to Successful High-Level Disinfection And Sterilization Processes
Heidi Reuss-Lamky
LVT, VTS
09/14/23
Cleanliness Assurance Requires Interdepartmental CollaborationCommunication between SPD and EVS staff can eliminate critical gaps.
By: Outpatient Surgery Editors
09/10/23
Establishing & and Maintaining a Great Culture in Sterile Processing
Pure Processing - The Reprocessing Report
09/06/23
Managing Loose Devices to Reduce Workload, Increase Throughput
By David Taylor, MSN, RN, CNOR; Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, AA, CRCST, CHL; and Albert Huether, MBA, CRCST
08/29/23
Journey of an Instrument
Ultra Clean Systems
08/27/23
Best Practices Beat Fast Processes Every Time
Manual Versus Automated Device Instrument Cleaning
8/23/23
Loaned Device Management is Crucial for Patient Safety
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
08/21/23
Performance Qualification Testing Improves Processing of Lumened Surgical Instruments in Ultrasonic Cleaners
Kevin Anderson MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, CIS, CER, Mary Ann Drosnock DHSc, MS, CIC, CFER, RM, FAPIC, AAMIF, Stephen M. Kovach BS, CFER, Thea Zitek BA
08/17/23
Developing Infection Prevention and Control Processes, Policies and Procedures: Use of Evidence-Based Guidelines
08/15/23
Joint Commission releases new guide on reprocessing medical devices
08/07/23
Keeping it sterile: Fundamentals of sterile storage
By: Susan Klacik, BS, FCS, ACE, CHL, CIS, CRCST, AAMIF
08/06/23
Pinpointing, Resolving Problems: Setting Up SP Technicians for Success
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
08/02/23
SPD and OR Leaders: Don’t Muddle the Huddle
Albert Huether, Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum, David Taylor
07/25/23
Navigating case carts, kits, and trays in the surgical services setting
07/18/23
Department Scorecards and Metrics: How to Build Meaningful Scorecards
Pure Processing
07/11/23
Ultrasound in Percutaneous Procedures: One Size Does Not Fit All for Reprocessing
Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC
Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed., CIC, FAPIC
07/10/23
Duodenoscopes With Disposable Caps Have Less Microbial Contamination
ENDOPRO Mag
07/06/23
Sterile Processing Beyond the Operating Room
By Jill E. Holdsworth, MS, CIC, FAPIC, NREMT, CRCST
07/04/23
A Road Map to Off-Site Sterilization
Jenny Hayes, MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT
07/03/23
TJC Names Top 5 2022 Infection Prevention Challenges; 3 Impact SPD
By Susan Klacik
06/29/23
Ultraclean
06/23/23
Shifting strategies and sites for reprocessing success
06/22/23
Still time to comment on proposed new IC requirements for hospitals, critical access hospitals
The Joint Commission
06/20/23
Creating a Top-Performing Sterile Processing Department
By: Jared Bilski
06/19/23
Gentle cleansers kill viruses as effectively as harsh soaps, study finds
HPN
06/15/23
Protecting Every Somebody’s Somebody: The Passion of a SPD
Author: Brian Stallard
06/13/23
Questions to Think About When Addressing Understaffing in Your Scope Processing Area
Authors: Garland-RheaGrisby &
Petra M.Richards
06/12/23
The Essentials: The Foundation of Top-Quality Instrument Care
By: Jared Bilski
06/09/23
Defining Precleaning Workflows Improves Safety, Saves Time
OR Management News
06/08/23
Duodenoscopes With Disposable Caps Have Less Microbial Contamination
Endo Pro Mag
06/05/23
Focused Networking Opens Doors for Sterile Processing Success
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CHL, CIS
06/02/23
The Future-Thinking Sterile Processing Professional
06/01/23
Travel Advisory: Traveling Techs Changing Face of SPD
By: David Taylor
05/30/23
Human vs. Machine: Which Ensures Devices Are Clean?
By: James Schneiter
05/26/23
A Road Map to Off-Site Sterilization
Jenny Hayes, MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT
05/25/23
The ups and downs of SPD from 2022 to 2023
2023 SPD Salary Survey
HPN
5/18/23
The Power of Tray Rationalization
Right-size your instrument rotation to reduce waste, lighten staff’s load and save money.
By Outpatient Surgery Editors
05/16/23
HROs and Just Culture: Core Concepts for SPD Quality
By Marie Brewer, CST, CRCT, CIS, CHL, CER, GTS, CLSSBB
5/15/23
How Clean Are Your Surgical Instruments?
05/09/23
A “Recipe” for Proper Manual Sterile Processing
05/02/23
Holes or no holes in my mats
Stephen M. Kovach
05/01/23
Updated Hand Hygiene Recommendation: How It Affects SPD
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
04/28/23
A day in the life in SPD
By: Erica Smith, MBA
04/27/23
2023 Sterile Processing Technology Guide
04/26/23
Curing the Sterile Processing Department Staffing Crisis
Rebecca Leach, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC
04/20/23
Top 5 most challenging requirements for 2022
The Joint Commission
04/18/23
The Role of Evidence-Based Guidelines and Consensus Documents: What is Required?
By Sylvia Garcia-Houchins, MBA, RN, CIC
04/17/23
Infection Prevention: Making Sense of Complex IFUs
By: Katharine Hoffman, MPH, CIC, NCMA, LSSGB and Chrystia Johnson, MSHS, MLS(AMT), CIC, LSSYB
04/13/23
Prioritizing SPD Service Excellence Spurs Safety, Positive Outcomes
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
04/11/23
Maintenance and Repair Strategies for Endoscopes
By: Joe Paone
04/10/23
High Impingement Washing: A Vital Part of the Instrument Management Process
Infection Control Today
04/07/23
Powerful Ideas to Guide Ultraviolet Disinfection, Publish SPD Training Research
Author: Brian Stallard
04/06/23
Level up for Growth, Quality Outcomes
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CIS, CHL, FCS
3/31/23
Investigation of a cluster of rapidly growing mycobacteria infections associated with joint replacement surgery in a Kentucky hospital, 2013–2014 with 8-year follow-up
American Journal of Infection Control
03/30/23
Sterilize It, Don’t Melt It: The Latest in Sterilization & Device Materials Compatibility
Author: Brian Stallard
03/28/23
From buddy to boss: Path from SPD peer to SPD leader
By: W. Zeh Wellington, DNP, RN, NE-BC and Cherie Dominguez, CSPDT
03/27/23
SPD administrative controls play key role in staff safety
03/24/23
AAMI ST108: Filters and Your Water Supply
03/23/23
Pre-empting pre-treatment in the OR not CSSD’s preference, nor industry standard
03/22/23
Improving mastery and retention of knowledge and complex skills among sterile processing professionals: A pilot study on borescope training and competency testing
American Journal of Infection Control
03/20/23
Olympus Receives FDA Warning Letter
03/14/23
Short-Term Gains or Long-Term Change?
Author: Garrett Hollembeak, Featured, Sterile Processing
03/13/23
Revised Protective Barrier Standard: Key Changes for SP Professionals
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
03/10/23
Sterility Assurance Levels and Aseptic Processing: An Introduction to Alternative SALs and Current Efforts to Promote Consistent Alternative SAL Language
Author: Trabue D.Bryans,
Byron Lambert
03/09/23
August 23, 2023 | Sterile Processing Virtual Forum
HPN
https://endeavor.swoogo.com/hpn_forum/August2023?i=zp6cMuaRcC9G3W5zpvx857rnQClAQaMa
03/08/23
Hospital’s water purification system stripped out chlorine, killing 3 patients. It was supposed to improve taste, but instead led to deadly infections.
03/07/23
Water quality and hardness: to spot, or not to spot?
03/03/23
Brushes in Brazil’ Study Highlights Key Concerns for Endoscope Sterile Processing
AAMI News
https://array.aami.org/content/news/brushes-brazil-study-highlights-key-concerns-endoscope-sterile-processing
03/2/23
How effective are the alcohol flush and drying cycles of automated endoscope reprocessors? Stripped Endoscope model
Mohamed Yassin, MD, PhD Adrian Clifford, BS,Heather Dixon, RN, MS, CIC,Curtis J. Donskey, MD, MS
https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(23)00078-0/fulltext
02/21/23
Key Updates to AORN’s Revised Flexible Endoscope Processing Guideline
By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS
https://www.healthcarehygienemagazine.com/devices-instruments/
02/16/23
A Closer Look at High Reliability Organizations in Endoscopy
By Lisa Heard, MSN RN CGRN CPHQ CPPS
https://theinsidetract.sgna.org/Article/ArtMID/385/ArticleID/357/A-Closer-Look-at-High-Reliability-Organizations-in-Endoscopy
02/14/23
Debating Duodenoscopes: Throw Them Out? Or Put Them in the Wash?
By Caroline Helwick
02/13/23
Significant Changes to the DNV Advanced Sterile Processing Certification (ASPC) Requirements
https://67654f47-8932-468d-acd8-449e6c05fdb7.filesusr.com/ugd/17629e_a94c36cdfbe941e9870a85780aaeca27.pdf
02/10/23
Prioritize Point-of-Use Instrument Care
By: Hospital Corpsman Second Class J. L. Baleña
https://www.aorn.org/outpatient-surgery
02/09/23
Is your department meeting current water quality standards?
By David Taylor
https://www.hpnonline.com/sterile-processing/article/21292513/is-your-department-meeting-current-water-quality-standards
02/7/23
Standard for PPE Updated for Additional Equipment Types and Safety Guidance
by OR Today Magazine
https://ortoday.com/standard-for-ppe-updated-for-additional-equipment-types-and-safety-guidance/
02/6/23
Enhanced SPD Cleaning Practices Aid Infection Control Efforts
By David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR
02/02/23
Benefits Abound When Surgeons Are Oriented to the SPD
BY TONY THURMOND, CRCST, CIS, CHL
https://ortoday.com/benefits-abound-when-surgeons-are-oriented-to-the-spd/
01/31/23
The Department Workhorse
Author: Hank Balch, Featured, Sterile Processing, The Front Line
https://ultracleansystems.com/the-department-workhorse/
01/30/23
Mission Improcessable Economy, ecology and efficacy demand a combination of resources and contingencies for all
By Scott Tomko
https://www.hpnonline.com/infection-prevention/article/21292455/mission-improcessable
01/25/23
A•MAZE•ZING Endoscope Care
Navigating the complex cycle of endoscope sterilization
By Kara Nadeau
https://www.ormanager.com/other-requirements-for-processing-electrosurgical-instruments/
01/19/23
Other requirements for processing electrosurgical instruments
By: Susan Klacik, BS, FCS, ACE, CHL, CIS, CRCST, AAMIF
https://www.ormanager.com/other-requirements-for-processing-electrosurgical-instruments/
01/16/23
Changing gloves and switching instruments to decrease surgical site infection in abdominal surgery
By May F Abiad & Haytham M A Kaafarani
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)01998-5/fulltext