Last week, I introduced you to a novel solution and process for infection prevention for devices potentially exposed to TSE (infectious prion proteins). While Case Medical spent a decade discovering how enzymatic cleaners can  do more than remove soil from contaminated devices, controlling the variables is just as important as...

The central role of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) is to decontaminate surgical instruments for patient care procedures. By carefully following cleaning and sterilization protocols for used devices, the SPD plays a critical role in infection prevention. However, not all infectious agents are created equal.

According to OSHA, hazardous chemicals are prevalent in Central Sterile Supply (SPD). Examples include concentrated liquids with extreme pH levels, sterilization liquids and gases, plasma vapors, and other disinfecting liquids and aerosols...

Shorter cycles, less rinses have been discussed for some time at AAMI working groups and amongst healthcare professionals. Most agree that adequate contact time and rinsing is good practice for manual and automated processes. Detergents lift but rinsing removes the soil. Now manufacturers of new washer/disinfectors have gone even further by promoting cycles preset in their new machines which eliminate rinse steps and rinse times

According to OSHA, hazardous chemicals are prevalent in Central Sterile Supply (SPD). Examples include concentrated liquids with extreme pH levels, sterilization liquids and gases, plasma vapors, and other disinfecting liquids and aerosols...

When budgets are tight, people sometimes look for quick fixes to save on immediate costs. Unfortunately, they will end up being sorry if what looks like a less expensive product costs more in the long run...

Having necessary medical devices, supplies and equipment are critical for hospitals and clinics to continue delivering high quality care to patients. The healthcare community relies on foreign companies, especially China, for medical equipment and supplies, even raw materials and spare parts to replenish our factories manufacturing products including medical devices right here in the USA...

I’ve heard and been concerned about ever present PFAS, but it wasn’t until I got an environmentally induced condition requiring surgery, and learned how my dog’s flea and tick repellent included PFAS that I realized that it must be in this week’s blog.

Many misunderstandings aren’t planned or purposeful but are the result of intersecting plot lines that cause miscommunication and misalignment of purposes. 

With soap operas, the absurd is common (long-lost identical twin, anyone?). In the SPD, you would expect concerns to be less outrageous, but it is wise to retain a degree of skepticism and a dose of critical thinking. Sometimes, what’s left unsaid—or undone—requires some serious investigation.