Most of us realize that while we may not be in a supply chain crisis or shock yet, nevertheless we are facing a supply chain dilemma. A supply chain shock is defined as an unexpected event that disrupts the flow of goods and services within a supply chain, like a flood which we’ve experienced, an unexpected move done that too, pandemic

 There was a time when processing medical devices was simple. Paper count sheets were commonly used, stick on labels identified product and location, and documents could be kept in the supervisor’s office because processing these devices was intuitive.

We’re talking about risk analysis, the process we go through before deciding on a given action. Whether it’s diet soda or donuts we'll do a casual risk analysis in our head.

I remember the years when our company sponsored the early morning round table discussions at IAHCSMM. When “vendors” and “users” met for coffee and discussed current topics that were relevant to all of us. 

New risks and cybercrimes are constantly emerging and are increasing with severity. Medical facilities are being attacked by ransomware, financial institutions are having client information stolen, individuals are falling victim to internet scams, and much more.

There are 54 billion bacterial cells on a single cubic centimeter of the average kitchen sponge. They are breeding grounds for all types of germs and bacteria. A common sponge’s spatial partitioning – the way it’s divided into different sectors of various sizes with a porous absorbent surface – caters to bacteria that prefer isolated environments and those that prefer to be around other organisms as well, making it the best of both worlds for microbial communities...

Two relate to cutting fuel consumption and air pollution associated with driving: More people worked from home and more meetings were held virtually. A third change may not be as apparent, but it affects anyone whose wastewater involves a sewer system...

Last week, we discussed the value of utilizing high purity RO water for cleaning and rinsing. This week, we are faced with a continuing problem of residue remaining on surgical devices. I’ve been in this industry for over thirty years and only recently heard about the frequency of white powder residue on containers and even on single use wrap after sterilization...

According to the CDC, public water is regulated but can sometimes get contaminated. With water shortages in the West, depleting reservoirs, and flooding here in the Northeast from too much rain and clogged sewer pipes, we find that we not only have to monitor the water quality in our manufacturing facility, but also keep an eye on the drains in our neighborhood...

A container is a rigid reusable packaging system that is validated to maintain sterility until it is used. In the past, we never heard of white powder, cancelled STERRAD cycles, or even massive surface discoloration. And no, we do not agree that white powder is okay nor that you can continue to use a container with surface degradation...