Weekly Rounds: UV-C Disinfecting Ultrasound Probes, Reducing C difficile Testing, and More
Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today’s highlights for the week ending September 6, 2024.
Weekly Rounds with Infection Control Today
Here are 5 highlights from Infection Control Today®'s (ICT®’s) wide-ranging coverage of the infection prevention and control world. Everything from interviews with known opinion leaders to news reports about infection preventionists and other health care professionals can be used in their jobs.
The Evolution of Health Care Environmental Hygiene: A Long Overdue Shift in Infection Control
This new column, Clean Hospital with Alexandra Peters, PhD, explores advancements in health care environmental hygiene, highlighting its growing recognition as a key component of infection prevention and honoring pioneers like Professor Stephanie Dancer.
New UV-C Disinfection Technology for Ultrasound Probes Earns FDA Clearance
Chronos, a chemical-free UV-C disinfection device for ultrasound probes, received FDA clearance. It offers health care professionals a fast, automated solution to reduce cross-contamination and improve infection prevention.
Reducing Inappropriate C difficile Testing: A Diagnostic Stewardship Success Story
A Memorial Healthcare study shows updated C difficile testing guidelines led to a 20% reduction in inappropriate tests, improving diagnostic accuracy and preventing unnecessary treatments.
Infection Prevention Leadership Search: Insights and Advice From Tamara Behm, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, CER, CQIA, CCSVP, CAIP
In this discussion with ICT's IPLifeline, Tamara Behm discusses her journey in seeking an IP leadership role, her passion for patient safety, and advice for job-seeking professionals in infection prevention.
Addressing Sterile Processing Instrument Errors With Advanced Technology and Data Insights
Surgical instrument errors, often linked to visualization failures during sterile processing, pose significant risks to patient safety and OR efficiency. Advanced technologies, including AI, are essential for reducing these errors and improving overall outcomes in sterile processing departments.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
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.
