Weekly Rounds: Stretcher Contamination, Lumens 2.0, and More

Here are 5 highlights from Infection Control Today^®'s (ICT^®) extensive coverage of the infection prevention and control field. It includes interviews with recognized opinion leaders and news reports about—and from—infection preventionists, sterile processing technicians, and other health care professionals, offering insights applicable to their work.

CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.

IP LifeLine: Layoffs and the Evolving Job Market Landscape for Infection Preventionists

Infection preventionists, once hailed as indispensable during the pandemic, now face a sobering reality: budget pressures, hiring freezes, and layoffs are reshaping the field, leaving many IPs worried about their future and questioning their value within health care organizations.

Lumens 2.0 Study Results: Borescopes Reveal Hidden Challenges of Cleaning Lumened Surgical Instruments

A groundbreaking study presented at HSPA25 and APIC25 exposed hidden contamination lurking inside orthopedic and neurosurgical instruments—even after cleaning. The Lumens 2.0 research highlights why infection prevention must look deeper than surface-level protocols.

Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
Once 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 of Hospital Wheels

Despite 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.