The Infection Control Today® sterile processing page provides an inside look into the sterile processing (or central supply) department in the hospital where surgical instruments are cleaned, sterilized, and reprocessed in order to disinfect, remove bioburden, and prep for upcoming procedures. Sterile processing applies to not only the knives, scalpels, scissors, forceps, and clamps used in surgery, but also instruments such as endoscopes and duodenoscopes. ICT® reports on the latest technology but also on the means to disinfect that technology. Also, the trend toward making more disposable surgical equipment. What does that mean for the sterile processing team?
May 16th 2025
Invisible yet deadly, endotoxins evade traditional sterilization methods, posing significant risks during routine surgeries. Understanding and addressing their threat is critical for patient safety.
New ANSI/AAMI Standard Transforms Ethylene Oxide Sterilization in Health Care
July 8th 2024The updated ANSI/AAMI ST24 standard outlines requirements for ethylene oxide sterilizers in health care, addressing advancements, regulatory changes, and new technology to enhance sterilization practices and safety.
The Value of Certification in Infection Prevention and Control: Why Is it important?
May 14th 2024Certification in infection prevention and control is essential for career growth, higher salaries, and improved patient outcomes. Learn why certification matters from Shazia Irum, MSC, MBA, RN, CIC, CPHQ, CBIC Ambassador in Saudi Arabia.
Product Locator: Spring and Early Mother's Day Gift Guide for Infection Prevention Personnel
March 27th 2024Whether it's a spring holiday, birthdays, or no reason at all, infection prevention personnel love to give and receive gifts that help at the end of a stressful day. Infection Control Today® offers some gift ideas for infection prevention personnel and their families.
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.
Balancing Act: Insights From an Infection Preventionist, Mother, and Volunteer
January 30th 2024Jill E. Holdsworth, MS, CIC, FAPIC, NREMT, CRCST, prevention manager, discusses the challenges of balancing work, family, and volunteering, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing self-care and personal interests.
Infection Prevention in Low-Resource Settings: Two Infection Preventionists Consult in East Africa
January 29th 2024Infection preventionists Heather Saunders and Stephanie Mayoryk's journey to East Africa emphasizes the positive impact of infection prevention efforts in low-income countries. Despite challenges, their experience encourages IPs to engage globally, fostering hope and passion for providing excellent patient care.
Overcoming Challenges to Eye Device Reprocessing: A 3-Year Study
October 25th 2023A recent American Journal of Infection Control study, led by Katharine Hoffman, MPH, CIC, LSSGB, and Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC, applies Lean Six Sigma to improve eye device reprocessing. The research highlights the challenges, emphasizes adherence to manufacturer instructions, and promotes best practices for patient safety.
Special Report on Candida auris: An Emerging Drug-Resistant Fungal Threat
June 14th 2023The recent increase in drug-resistant strains of Candida auris, causing mortality at rates as high as 60%, raises questions regarding the spread of this pathogen as a health care-associated infection, cleaning/disinfecting protocol, and treatment via antifungal drugs.