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?
October 3rd 2024
Clean Hospitals Day 2024 emphasizes health care environmental hygiene, recognizing environmental service workers' efforts across 6 technical domains, enhancing global patient safety and infection prevention.
How Far Do Water Droplets From Sterile Processing Procedures Travel?
October 13th 2022During Sterile Processing Week, ICT® recognizes the job of sterile processing personnel as highly skilled labor in an uncomfortable work environment. It is also dangerous to those individuals who may pass through the room the sterile processing personnel are working in.
Ultrasound Transducer Disinfection: Better Guidelines/Recommendations Needed
September 1st 2022With the CDC, FDA, and Joint Commission all using different guidelines and recommendations for the types of disinfection acceptable for various ultrasound transducers, clinicians should follow manufacturers’ instructions, but a more unified answer is needed.
Ultrasound Transducers: Avoiding Gel Contamination and Using Proper Level Disinfection
August 31st 2022Having complete IV start kits or central line insertion kits to reduce gel type variability and, thus gel contamination and following AIUM and INS disinfection recommendations are 2 ways to prevent health care-acquired infections.
Give Sterile Processing Team, Profession the Recognition They Deserve
August 23rd 2022Sterile Processing Week runs from October 9 through 15. Julie Williamson, of the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association, explains why appreciation goes a long way with this vital group of hospital professionals.
Contamination of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Transducers Alarms Key Clinician
August 11th 2022Using ultrasound transducers is often necessary in the emergency department, but too often the proper procedures to protect against health care associated infections are not followed, and clinicians are worried.