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?
July 30th 2025
As climate change accelerates, health care’s environmental impact faces increased scrutiny, with sterile processing departments (SPDs) emerging as key change agents. Often behind the scenes, SPD professionals can lead sustainability by turning routine practices into ecofriendly protocols that protect both patient and planetary health.
New Data Demonstrate Automated Reprocessor is Superior to Manual Cleaning of Flexible Endoscopes
July 21st 2010Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) announces newly published data showing that the ASP EVOTECH® Endoscope Cleaner and Reprocessor (ECR) provides an automated approach superior to the manual cleaning required when using traditional AERs.
Investigation of VA Medical Center Infection Control Breaches Continues
July 20th 2010In the wake of the discovery that as many as 1,800 veterans may have been exposed to HIV and the hepatitis B virus while receiving dental care at the John A. Cochran Medical Center in St. Louis, an independent panel is now investigating why there were breaches of infection prevention and control practices relating to the disinfection and sterilization of instruments.
Study on Social Practices Says Manufacturers Can Help Lead Quality, Safety Efforts
July 19th 2010A new VHA whitepaper released today by Medline Industries, Inc. details how the company used observational studies and context-based design to build human factors and social behaviors into its redesigned Foley catheter management tray.
Ascent Inks Deal with Major Hospital Supply Network
July 19th 2010Ascent, a leader in delivering healthcare resource sustainability, has been awarded a three-year, single-source agreement with Upper Midwest Consolidated Service Center (UMCSC), a supply network of VHA member hospitals in the Midwest.
Joint Commission May Refine Tracer Methodology
July 7th 2010The Joint Commission says it will examine ways to refine its tracer methodology by integrating patient-care tracers and patient system tracers to thoroughly evaluate selected high risk or problem-prone processes, including cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of medical equipment, devices and supplies.