The world has probably changed more in the last few weeks than it has in the last two years during the pandemic. While we all want to be hopeful for peace in Europe, and a return to normalcy as the incidence of COVID 19 declines, world events just keep moving in the opposite direction. So, what to do? “Plan for the worst and hope for the best” is the strategy of the day. While for Case Medical, our perforated bottom rigid reusable containers remain the universal choice, it may be time to consider the advantage of solid bottom containers for pre-vacuum steam sterilization, for Stryker’s SteriZone low temp sterilizer, and certainly for transport of used items…

Just when it looks like we’ve passed the peak of the COVID19 Omicron variant and the pandemic is giving everyone a break, conflict breaks out in Europe making global oil supply uncertain. Will the Chinese use this moment to make advances on its claims to Taiwan? Who knows, but it’s pretty much certain that when chaos reigns global supply chains and production will stay in disarray.

Rigid sterilization containers were first introduced in the USA in the early 1980s, but developed much earlier in different forms than we see today.  Since then, new technologies entered the marketplace in the form of new devices and new sterilization modalities. Some of these advances present new sterilization challenges that were not considered earlier. With that being said, knowledge and caution need to be applied to integrate new devices and materials with any rigid reusable container.  Not all containers are created equal…

As a subscriber to Case Medical’s weekly blog, you know the we’ve been preparing to host a live online event, “Sustainable Cleaning Chemistries for a Healthier World”. Now we’d like to introduce to you the panelists who have so generously volunteered to share their time and knowledge with us all. Each panelist brings experience and perspective from a variety of vantage points.

The world is a fast-moving place, and keeping up, staying on top of things, being aware of all the thats going on around you, can seem impossible. There are the daily demands of work, the backlog of items which need attention before moving on to the next stage, or the hecticness of providing fresh, clean, and sterile items when a schedule changes.

What you can count on to consistently provide best outcomes? All things being equal, washer/disinfectors are all very efficient. We all want clean dishes at home and decontaminated instruments in healthcare facilities.  In both scenarios, we want them done with the least amount of effort. That's why dishwashers are so prized in the kitchen and automated washers in decontam. But sometimes, they don't produce the best results.

In light of climate change, the pandemic, and water quality issues, sustainability and safer chemical usage has become a healthcare focus. Healthcare can both contribute to the problem and can be at the forefront of change. Are you aware that most cleaners, disinfectants, and germicidal wipes contain chemicals of concern that may threaten patients, the environment, and even give you a headache or worse?