The free, live Webinar, “Why are Vascular Devices Prone to Biofilm Contamination?” will be presented on http://www.TargetBSI.com and will address the emerging issue of biofilms. Experts in the field will discuss the obstacles to preventing, managing and eradicating biofilms in vascular access devices. The Webinar will be hosted by Garth James, PhD, BS, medical projects manager for the Center for Biofilm Engineering, and Marcia Ryder, PhD, MS, RN, of Ryder Science.
James is also an assistant research professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Montana State University in Bozeman, Mont., and has nearly 20 years of experience in biofilm research, including testing and research related to vascular access devices.
Ryder's experience in nursing includes positions as clinical director of a special care unit and a cardiovascular/thoracic unit, a clinical nurse specialist in nutrition support, and director of nursing in home infusion. Her doctoral dissertation research investigated the effect of pulsed electrical fields on biofilm bacteria.
This live webinar will be presented on Tuesday, July 28 at 1 p.m. ET and on Thursday, July 30 at 2 p.m. ET).
Clinicians who manage or monitor vascular-access catheters and related products and technology will find useful, practical infection prevention information at TargetBSI.com, including the interactive Webinar series, presentations on selected clinical practice issues, and a section on best practices recommended by national thought leaders. The Web site is supported by funding from Baxter Healthcare Corporation.
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
Getting Down and Dirty With PPE: Presentations at HSPA by Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski
June 26th 2025In the heart of the hospital, decontamination technicians tackle one of health care’s dirtiest—and most vital—jobs. At HSPA 2025, 6 packed workshops led by experts Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski spotlighted the crucial, often-overlooked art of PPE removal. The message was clear: proper doffing saves lives, starting with your own.
Unmasking Vaccine Myths: Dr Marschall Runge on Measles, Misinformation, and Public Health Solutions
May 29th 2025As measles cases climb across the US, discredited myths continue to undercut public trust in vaccines. In an exclusive interview with Infection Control Today, Michigan Medicine’s Marschall Runge, PhD, confronts misinformation head-on and explores how clinicians can counter it with science, empathy, and community engagement.
Silent Saboteurs: Managing Endotoxins for Sepsis-Free Sterilization
Invisible yet deadly, endotoxins evade traditional sterilization methods, posing significant risks during routine surgeries. Understanding and addressing their threat is critical for patient safety.