Authors


Connie Steed, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Connie Steed, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC

Latest:

Infections in Hospitals Are Rising—The Nose Is a Primary Source 

Rates of health care-associated infections rose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigators have found that often the infections came from the patients themselves. But how?


Audrey Friedman, RN, CLNC

Latest:

The Role Infection Preventionists Play in Thwarting Surgical Site Infections

With 60% of surgical site infections estimated to be preventable, IPs hold a key prevention role in patient safety.


Luci Perri, MSN, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, CSPDT

Latest:

IPs Play Hidden Role in Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs

The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance, exacerbated by the pandemic, underscores the importance of the infection preventionist as an active member of the antimicrobial stewardship program.


FAZILA RAJAB, BDS

Latest:

Air Quality in Infection Prevention:
Innovations, Efficacy, and Limitations

New insights into pathogen-specific transmission dynamics and innovations in ventilation, filtration, and monitoring systems offer promising tools for effective infection control.


Tori Whitacre Martonicz

Latest:

Unlocking the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care: A New Study

In an exclusive interview, Ruth Carrico, professor at the University of Louisville, and independent infection prevention consultant, discusses her groundbreaking study with Timothy L. Wiemken, PhD, MPH, CIC, on AI's role in identifying health care-associated infections and its implications for the field.


Ron Southwick

Latest:

COVID-19 Spread: Droplets or Particles? It’s Not an Either/Or

Recent research into COVID-19 suggests that health care systems need to move beyond the idea that pathogen spread happens either via droplets or aerosolized particles. Patients can generate the full range of respiratory particles.


Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP

Latest:

Without an Engaged Community, Infection Prevention Can Flounder

Coupling risk communication and effective engagement with the community can provide opportunities to change behavior and shape awareness of basic practices that can break the chain of transmission for many diseases.


Amber Wood, MSN, RN, CNOR, CIC, FAPIC

Latest:

Nurses and Infection Preventionists: An Integral Partnership

Infection preventionists and perioperative nurses should collaborate to track and share infection rate data and participate in interdisciplinary workgroups to emphasize patient safety amid burnout and staffing and supply shortages.


Shawna Paro, MSN, RN, CIC
Shawna Paro, MSN, RN, CIC

Latest:

Ultrasound in Percutaneous Procedures: One Size Does Not Fit All for Reprocessing

Accurate device information and proper sterilization or disinfection are crucial to ensure safety during ultrasound procedures.


Benjamin Frieders

Latest:

Understanding AAMI ST108:2023: Essential Guide to New Water Quality Standards in Health Care

Water, essential in health care, from hygiene to medical procedures. AAMI's ST108 sets new standards, vital for patient safety and equipment integrity.


Robbie Hilliard, RN, MSN, CIC

Latest:

How Veterans Affairs Nurses Fight Infection

Non-ventilator-hospital associated pneumonia prevention is quickly becoming the hot topic among infection preventionists.


Craig Kimble, PharmD, MBA, MS, BCACP

Latest:

Pharmacists Have Delivered During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Getting to know community pharmacists—in fact developing a professional rapport with those pharmacists—should be on an infection preventionist’s to-do list.


Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, SV/SM/MB(ASCP)CM, FASc

Latest:

Even in Shadow of COVID-19, Influenza Poses Pandemic Threat

The ability of any infectious agent to maintain constant transmission enables it to be an ongoing threat to public health. Few pathogens have achieved greater success at ongoing transmission potential than the influenza virus.


Peter Teska

Latest:

Pathogens Underfoot Can Floor Patients, Health Care Workers

Evidence shows that bacteria on floors can be resuspended into the air with a potential of inhalation, swallowing, or contamination of surfaces and hands.


Nathan Dowling

Latest:

Monkeypox Details for Infection Preventionists

Adding to their exhaustion because of other diseases rampant worldwide, like influenza and COVID-19, infection preventionists need to understand and recognize the basics of monkeypox as well since it has made its debut in the US.


Mary Jean Ricci, MSN, RNBC

Latest:

Diversity Can Be Best Ally for Infection Preventionists

Perspectives from a diversity of health care workers improve the care and outcomes of patients.


Michelle Ferrant, DNP, CNS, RN, RNC-NIC

Latest:

COVID-19 Gave Birth to Changes in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Testing of the infant of the COVID-19–positive mother requires 2 negative COVID-19 tests 2 days apart. This time delay adds to the challenge of ensuring available isolation beds.


Mark Hodgson, BSc, LRSC, CMIP

Latest:

How to Choose the Right Disinfectant to Prevent Health Care-Associated Infections

Choosing the correct disinfectant can be difficult. This expert explains how to select the proper one.


Mark Stibich, PhD

Latest:

Infection Prevention Post-Pandemic: What To Keep? What To Stop?

What does the post-COVID-19 future look like for infection preventonists? Great strides in infection prevention have been made because of the COVID-19 response, but look for them to be modified moving forward.



Carmen Smith, LPN, IP

Latest:

IPC PROs Helping Each Other: How to Engage Employees and Staff in the LTC Setting

In this installment of IPC Pros Helping Each Other, how do IPs keep those in their facilities to remember essential infection control practices?


Muhammad Aamir Anees

Latest:

The Dx and Rx of Head Lice

As children get ready to return to school, pediatric health care providers may start seeing more of this condition in their offices. Here is what you should know.


 Benjamin Hottel, PhD, BCE, PCQI  (Photo courtesy of Rollins)
Benjamin Hottel, PhD, BCE, PCQI

Latest:

Defending Health Care Facilities: Winter Pest Control and Sanitation Strategies

Cold weather can attract pests seeking warmth and shelter in health care facilities. Learn effective strategies, including sanitation and pest management, to protect patients this winter.


Infection Control Today® Editorial Staff

Latest:

FDA Grants Emergency Use Authorization for Pemgarda, COVID-19 Infusion Drug

In the ongoing fight against COVID-19, the FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization for Pemgarda, a COVID-19 infusion drug. Read on for more.



ICT Staff

Latest:

Training Is The Key to a Good Fit Test Program App Note (ITI-031) US

This paper outlines a primary reason to fit test an individual is to verify that he or she has been trained to wear a respirator and has learned how to don the facepiece correctly. Improper use can compromise the respirator’s protection.


Laurie Saloman, MS

Latest:

Consider COVID-19 Testing Before Holiday Gatherings

No agreed-upon definition exists that spells out exactly which symptoms trigger the need for a test. One expert says that if a get-together includes, for example, someone with Stage 4 cancer, it would be appropriate for all attendees to test beforehand.


Preeti Mehrotra, MD, MPH

Latest:

From Single to Multiuse: A Brief Review of N95 Respirator Decontamination Strategies

Here, we will review 3 common sterilization modalities currently in use for N95 respirator decontamination, how they work, and their strengths and limitations.


Robert Elsenpeter

Latest:

Brushing Up on Sterile Processing in Dentistry

Dental instruments may not seem as invasive as the instruments used in medical surgeries, but they still pose the same dangers.


Eddie Jay LeCastillo, MSN, RN, CNL

Latest:

The Best Way to Start an IP Role Is With The Joint Commission: One IP's Experience

The first day as an infection preventionist can be nerve wracking, but what happens when The Joint Commission is there the same day?