WASHINGTON - The United Network for Organ Sharing has again been awarded the contract to run the nation's organ transplant system, ending the two-year dispute over organ distribution. The three-year contract requires that the network distribute organs across broad geographic areas to the sickest patients first.
The contract will not give complete authority to the organ-sharing network. The network, which has run the transplant system since the mid-80's, will continue to maintain the list of patients who are waiting for new organs and will run the computer system that matches waiting patients with donated organs. However, federal health officials have selected another organization, the University Renal Research and Education Association, to run the scientific registry that examines how transplant patients fare and how changes in organ distribution policy affect them. For more information visit www.os.dhhs.gov.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.