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The Basics: Best Practices for the Effective Use of Disinfectants and Sterilization TechniquesLearn the basics of the critical role of proper disinfection and sterilization in health care settings, addressing key considerations, best practices, challenges, and future trends.
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Make Personal Protective Equipment Fit Sterile ProcessingThe successful combination of products and the adoption and application of science-based practices will help the sterile processing profession rise above challenges to protecting frontline technicians.
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The Silent Side of Patient Safety: Redefining Health Care Readiness Through the Built EnvironmentHospital readiness is no longer just about staff and equipment—it’s about infrastructure. From flooding to infection risks, restoration now plays a vital role in protecting patients and ensuring uninterrupted care.
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Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Bioluminescence Testing and PerformanceIn 2003, the CDC recommended hospitals to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Later, they advised hospitals to closely supervise cleaning procedures near patients. This article explains what IPC personnel need to know about ATP testing.
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What Is hMPV, and Could It Be the Next Pandemic?A surge in human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases highlights the need for improved detection, prevention, and public awareness, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
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Phage Therapy’s Future: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance With Precision VirusesBacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to increase. Dr. Ran Nir-Paz discusses its potential, challenges, and future applications in this technology.
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I’m Not Just an Infection PreventionistInfection preventionists (IP) can come from many different backgrounds. This is 1 opinion from 1 very successful IP who doesn't have an RN or a BSN and the bullying that sometimes occurs.
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Mosquito-Borne Pathogens and Climate Change: The Case of West Nile VirusThe article discusses the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus (WNV), in the US due to climate change. It explores the transmission, clinical aspects, and prevention measures of WNV, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and action in mitigating the impact of these diseases.
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A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care SettingsWho knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
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Forgotten Patients: The Immunocompromised Are Being Left BehindImmunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. But do the current treatments protect them? If not, then what needs to be done?
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Viewpoint: Omicron Surges Because Prevention Practices DriftedAs infection preventionists, we need to request that hospitals dust off the practices that were implemented during 2020. We need to reiterate that vaccination does not prevent infections, only severe illness.
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New ACIP Panel Backs Seasonal Flu, RSV Vaccinations, but Divisions Emerge Over Thimerosal and Infant DosingIn its first major session under newly appointed leadership, the revamped Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to support flu and RSV vaccinations for the 2025–2026 season, but internal debate over vaccine preservatives, access equity, and risk assessment highlighted the ideological and scientific tensions now shaping federal vaccine policy.
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Investment in Environmental Services Saves Money and Lives, Boosts Morale: An Example From GenevaEnvironmental services teams (EVS) are crucial players in ensuring patient satisfaction and combating health care–associated infections, yet, too many EVS teams are invisible. They deserve recognition, and this article by environmental hygiene experts explains why and how to give appreciation effectively.
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The Impact of Medicaid Cuts on Infection Prevention and Public HealthExperts Niobis Queiro, MBA, and Imamu Tomlinson, MD, MBA, discuss how Medicaid cuts could impact infection prevention, reduce vaccinations, and strain health systems, exacerbating health disparities.
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COVID-19 Hospital Stays Disrupt Long-Term Health, Financial StabilityClose to 85% of people hospitalized with COVID-19 said that they were not back to their pre-COVID lifestyle 1 month later, says the study.
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The Case for Merging Environmental Services and Infection Prevention Departments in HospitalsPreventable health care-associated infections (pHAIs) cost US health care facilities up to $123 million per day.
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Optimizing Your Resume and Showcasing Your Value in an Evolving IP Job MarketAs hospitals face layoffs and budget cuts, the need to demonstrate IPs' measurable impact has never been greater. For IPs, that means transforming your resume into more than a list of duties: it must tell the story of outcomes, savings, and lives protected. Now is the moment to redefine your role—not as a cost center, but as a catalyst for safety, efficiency, and organizational success.
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The 90’s Club: A Successful Hand Hygiene Adherence CampaignThe "90’s SwipeSense Club" significantly improved hand hygiene adherence at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center. By incentivizing adherence through 1990s-themed rewards and using SwipeSense technology to track hygiene practices, the hospital increased adherence rates from 53% in 2021 to 84% by May 2024.
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Addressing the Health Care Workforce Shortage: Strategies for Improving Patient Care and Reducing BurnoutThe health care staffing shortage impacts patient outcomes. Strategies in education, technology, and support roles aim to prepare resilient professionals and enhance job satisfaction amid challenges.
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First Responders Tackle Infection Control and Prevention ChallengesHow did first responders and firefighters navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath? Two firefighters/EMTs describe what that time was like for them.
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Nontuberculous mycobacteria: The Complex Diagnostic ChallengeRecent advances in diagnostic techniques offer a rapid and accurate method for identifying nontuberculous mycobacteria species, potentially accelerating the diagnosis and treatment of infections.
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Clarifying Eligibility for the CIC Examination: Insights From CBIC Executive DirectorThe Executive Director of the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) addresses the eligibility guidelines for the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) examination. While designed for success, these guidelines are not requirements, ensuring inclusivity for candidates from diverse infection prevention backgrounds. The CBIC emphasizes readiness and offers support to prospective CIC candidates.
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Getting Down and Dirty With PPE: Presentations at HSPA by Jill Holdsworth and Katie BelskiIn the heart of the hospital, decontamination technicians tackle one of health care’s dirtiest—and most vital—jobs. At HSPA 2025, 6 packed workshops led by experts Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski spotlighted the crucial, often-overlooked art of PPE removal. The message was clear: proper doffing saves lives, starting with your own.
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The Leapfrog Group and the Positive Effect on Hospital Hand HygieneThe Leapfrog Group enhances hospital safety by publicizing hand hygiene performance, improving patient safety outcomes, and significantly reducing health care-associated infections through transparent standards and monitoring initiatives.
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Infection Prevention Is Key in a Neonatal Intensive Care UnitThe smallest hospital patients need extra care to be protected from infectious disease. This article series examines the NICU from both a physician and infection preventionist perspective.
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Arcturus COVID-19 Variant: What Is Different From Past VariantsYet another subvariant. But what makes this one different? Should we be more concerned?
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Good Adherence Involves More Than Just a ChecklistInfection preventionists have been measuring hand hygiene with very little change in practice or retention of proper practice. Now is the time to think of new ways to improve hand hygiene and patient outcomes.
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I Was There: An Infection Preventionist on the COVID-19 PandemicDeep feelings run strong about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some beautiful art has come out of those emotions. Infection Control Today is proud to share this poem by Carmen Duke, MPH, CIC, in response to a recent article by Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC.
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Silent Saboteurs: Managing Endotoxins for Sepsis-Free SterilizationInvisible yet deadly, endotoxins evade traditional sterilization methods, posing significant risks during routine surgeries. Understanding and addressing their threat is critical for patient safety.
