The free, live Webinar, “Why are Vascular Devices Prone to Biofilm Contamination?” will be presented on 

 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. 

Vascular Access

 vascular access page offers the latest insights from vascular access teams in the field, and covers the latest updates on the methods to keep central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and other infections down to a minimum. 

News

Sterile Processing

 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. 

 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?

Vascular Devices and Biofilm: Webinar Opportunity