Cross out cross contamination in endoscope processing
Flexible endoscopes are among the most complex and indispensable medical devices used in healthcare. And yet, despite mounting evidence identifying…
Course Category: Sterilization
What’s new in AAMI ST79:2017? A review
AAMI recently published a new edition, ST79:2017,2 and this self-study article reviews some of the new information and key changes in t…
Expiration dating in the SPD
Is this expired? It seems like the question should be an easy one to answer by looking at the label of any time-sensitive item in a sterile process…
The Science of Speed
Biological indicators (BIs) are an important part of a quality control system for hospital sterilization processes.
The fantastic four: Sterile processing, operating room, quality and education
It is safe to say that Sterile Processing departments around the world have quickly evolved to one of the most complex departments in our healthcar…
Ugh! Another wet pack. What’s a technician to do?
Steam sterilization is a wet process, but it doesn’t have to lead to wet packs.
Sterilization quality control: Validation, routine monitoring go hand in hand
The sterile processing team must rely on a comprehensive quality system approach to ensure that instruments are safe and ready for use on patients.…
Manual cleaning – The critical human element
Manual cleaning in a hospital sterile processing department (SPD) is a specific, complex, and labor-intensive process that cannot be taken lightly.…
Water for cleaning medical devices
Considering water as an essential element, its use occurs in several stages of processing: displacement of dirt through spraying in thermo-disinfec…
Can you afford to ignore obsolescence?
Obsolescence has many hidden costs, but depending on the type, obsolescence can also yield benefits.