Sterile Processing

A rare Tennessee outbreak of Mycobacterium fortuitum revealed deep gaps in infection prevention at outpatient surgery centers—where oversight, staffing, and reporting often fall short.

Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.

Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.

Sterile processing departments face high-stakes challenges daily. At AORN 2025, Marjorie Wall outlined transformative strategies to improve safety, efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration, and also discussed HSPA 2025.

A barcode-based tracking system for surgical instruments has slashed packing errors, boosted staff training, and dramatically improved patient safety through precise, real-time traceability.

John Kimsey’s interactive sterile processing department game bridges understanding between the operating room and sterile processing teams, promoting collaboration, hands-on learning, and improved patient safety through real-world simulation.

Meet the experts shaping infection prevention: Infection Control Today's Editorial Advisory Board members share insights, experiences, and cutting-edge strategies to enhance health care safety and quality. Meet Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB.

From expert speakers to cutting-edge tools, sterile processing conferences, like the 2025 HSPA Annual Conference and the SoCal SPA's Spring Conference, offer unmatched opportunities to grow your skills, expand your network, and strengthen your department's infection prevention game.

AAMI TIR17:2024 provides updated, evidence-based guidance on material compatibility with sterilization modalities. It offers essential insights for medical device design and ensures safety without compromising functionality.

Ultrasonic cleaners enhance sterile processing by removing microscopic bioburden, ensuring safer medical instruments, reducing infection risks, and improving efficiency compared to manual cleaning alone.

Will Duffy’s Final Experiment highlights the importance of experience in changing minds. Public health can use similar methods to improve vaccine confidence and counter misinformation.

Short-cycle sterilization offers a safe, efficient alternative to immediate-use sterilization, ensuring rapid instrument turnover while maintaining sterility. Proper protocols, validation, and staff training are critical for success.

Health care–associated infections like CLABSIs and CAUTIs threaten patient safety. Learn evidence-based strategies, new technologies, and prevention protocols to reduce these infections and improve outcomes.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) presents significant challenges for infection control. Learn best practices for safe instrument disposal, reprocessing, and compliance with CDC and WHO guidelines.

Nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a deadly, overlooked infection impacting patient outcomes. With new diagnostic tools and prevention strategies, hospitals must prioritize oral hygiene to reduce risk.

Effective sterile processing leadership requires active engagement, clear communication, and a transformational approach to foster collaboration, accountability, and quality in infection prevention and surgical instrument management.

From advanced sterilization methods to combating antimicrobial resistance, Infection Control Today’s top articles of 2024 delivered actionable strategies for safer healthcare environments and improved patient outcomes.

Explore APIC’s groundbreaking framework for defining and documenting infection preventionist competency. Christine Zirges, DNP, ACNS-BC, CIC, FAPIC, shares insights on advancing professional growth, improving patient safety, and navigating regulatory challenges.

Discover SHEA's visionary 10-year plan to reduce HAIs by advancing infection prevention strategies, understanding transmission, and improving diagnostic practices for better patient outcomes.

Learn more about how effective air pressure regulation in health care facilities is crucial for controlling airborne pathogens like tuberculosis and COVID-19, ensuring a safer environment for all patients and staff.

Germitec, STERIS, ASP, and Zuno Medical are pioneering sterilization advancements with groundbreaking technologies that enhance SPD workflows, improve patient safety, and redefine infection control standards.

Learn how Germitec’s Chronos uses patented UV-C technology for high-level disinfection of ultrasound probes in 90 seconds, enhancing infection control, patient safety, and environmental sustainability.

Perioperative nurses bring vital skills in patient safety, infection control, and quality improvement. They enhance surgical outcomes and support health care systems during complex, high-risk procedures.

The Mid-Atlantic Central Service Association (MACSA) HSPA Chapter presents its autumn conference on November 9, 2024, from 8-4 PM in Ridgeville, New Jersey.

Meet the experts shaping infection prevention: Infection Control Today's Editorial Board members share insights, experiences, and cutting-edge strategies to enhance health care safety and quality. Meet Priya Pandya-Orozco, DNP, MSN, RN, PHN, CIC.