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Healthcare Articles from the Press

To read past content click on the Articles, News, and the Blog links on the menu.

Image by National Cancer Institute

11/19/24
Smart Handling of Scopes Saves Time and Money While Safeguarding Care

Kara Nadeau

While essential for patient care, endoscopes tend to get a bad rap when it comes to reprocessing and maintenance. Their complexity is a double-edged sword: facilitating advanced procedures, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment, but necessitating a multitude of steps to effectively and safely reprocess. 

Image by Alexander Grey

11/14/24
Time is money: The impact of case duration inaccuracies on surgical departments

IMO Health 

On the surgical floor, there’s usually little tolerance for wasted time. But when cases go longer than planned for medical reasons – like an interoperative complication or an unexpected emergent patient – most clinicians understand. 
However, when planned case times are incorrect because of administrative issues — like scheduling errors or inaccuracies — patience can easily wear thin. Furthermore, when assessed collectively, these delays can have significant negative repercussions on a health system’s bottom line. 

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11/08/24
Standardizing Packaging for All Kinds of Sterile Device Transportation
by OR Today Magazine | AAMI

What is Working Group 40 currently working on?
Our main focus is TIR 109, which deals with the external transportation of healthcare-processed items. This technical information report will address the transport of both sterile and contaminated items over public roadways, which are an uncontrolled environment. We’re exploring the challenges these items face when exposed to external environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and vibrations during transport, which is different from the controlled hospital environment.

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11/07/24
How Cleaning Medical Equipment Directly Affects Patient Safety and Equipment Longevity

By Jinesh Patel, MBA, MS

Fluorescent light can be used to highlight bacteria that hides in wounds, causing infections and slowing down the healing process, a new evidence review says.
A handheld fluorescent device can light up bacteria in 9 out of 10 wounds that traditional clinical treatment would overlook, according to a study in the journal Advances in Wound Care.

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11/06/24
AORN Updating Guideline for Sterilization

By Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, CIS, CHL, ACE, FCS

 

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) anticipates a fall release for its revised Guideline for Sterilization for electronic subscribers; the print version will be available in 2025. This guideline provides recommendation for sterilizing reusable medical devices for use in perioperative and procedural settings.  

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

 

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

Author: Garrett Hollembeak

 

 

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

David Taylor

 

10/23/23

Enzyme Activity vs. Temperature

Author: Jonathan Wilder, PhD

10/18/23

Patient Safety Trifecta

By Don Sadler

 

10/16/23

Why Is an Enzymatic Detergent Essential in Ultrasonics?

BlogInfection ControlSterile ProcessingUltrasonics

 

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

By Kara Nadeau

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, CERMary Ann Drosnock DHSc, MS, CIC, CFER, RM, FAPIC, AAMIFStephen M. Kovach BS, CFERThea Zitek BA

 

08/17/23

Developing Infection Prevention and Control Processes, Policies and Procedures: Use of Evidence-Based Guidelines

By Sylvia Garcia-Houchins

 

08/15/23

Joint Commission releases new guide on reprocessing medical devices

By Janette Wider

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 HuetherKristina Pirollo-KetchumDavid Taylor

 

07/25/23

Navigating case carts, kits, and trays in the surgical services setting

Kara Nadeau

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

What Is Cavitation?

Ultraclean

 

06/23/23

Shifting strategies and sites for reprocessing success

By Kara Nadeau

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

 Author: Rebecca Kinney

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?

By: Joe Paone

 

05/09/23

A “Recipe” for Proper Manual Sterile Processing

Tori Whitacre Martonicz

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

 

 

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