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...

To synchronize your supply chain, communication, collaboration and coordination are important habits to get used to. I’ve gotten dependent on Amazon to deliver staples like cat and dog food, kitty litter, paper towels and toilet paper. I am sure that many of you use Amazon or other online services as well to maintain control over your supplies...

In many ways, the sterile processing department is very similar to a manufacturing facility, like Case Medical. We produce products, follow standard operating procedures, without necessarily taking a hard look at how we can minimize steps and reduce waste...

Kaizen is an approach to creating continuous improvement based on the idea that small, ongoing positive changes can reap significant improvements. Continuous improvement is an ongoing process of analyzing performance, identifying opportunities, making incremental changes and continuing to grow...

At Case Medical, we support the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. When done right, these practices can help healthcare facilities create less waste and save money. Doing it right means considering the three Rs in order: first reduce consumption of single use items, then make sure that what you buy is reusable for as long as possible, then recycle what’s left to avoid disposing of it in a landfill...

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...