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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.
02/23/25
Measuring SPD Productivity is a Vital Task
By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CHL, CIS, FCS
In 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.
01/30/25
A Closer Look at High-Reliability Organizations in Endoscopy
Lisa Heard, MSN RN CGRN CPHQ CPPS
What is a high reliability organization (HRO) and what does it look like in practice, particularly for endoscopy? Here, Lisa Heard, MSN RN CGRN CPHQ CPPS, shares her insights on HROs — their (healthy) preoccupation with failure, non-hierarchical approach, commitment to resilience and more. This conversation was edited for clarity and length.
High reliability organizations (HROs) are organizations that use deliberate design to effectively manage quality and safety across the continuum of their organization.
1/28/25
AAMI Updates Materials Compatibility Guidance for EO, Other Modalities
AAMI
Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Whether a material is compatible with different sterilization methods is a serious concern for medical device manufacturers and sterile processing professionals. After all, cleaning or sterilization should not damage medical products. Newly updated AAMI guidance addresses this issue by clarifying how sterilization affects products and packaging.
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has published AAMI TIR17:2024; Compatibility of materials subject to sterilization. Last updated in 2017 to address an urgent need for information sharing, AAMI TIR17 is relevant to medical device manufacturers, product designers, and sterilization professionals.
01/15/24
Pioneering Advances in Sterilization: The Future of Infection Control
By Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB
As health care continues to evolve, so do the methods we use to ensure the highest level of sterilization for medical instruments. New technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and recent advancements are providing more efficient, reliable, and innovative solutions to meet the increasing demands of sterile processing departments (SPDs). This article explores some of the most groundbreaking technologies driving these changes and examines how they transform SPD operations, workflow, and infection control outcomes. We begin with an innovative approach to high-level disinfection (HLD), setting the stage for a journey through novel sterilization solutions that address the complex challenges that SPDs face today.
01/21/25
Leading SPDs with Empathy, Gratitude
By David Taylor
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
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
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