Over the past month or two, we’ve learned that several facilities and health care systems have standardized on using germicides, environmental wipes, that EPA consider pesticides for cleaning our containers and other medical devices. Most of these disinfectant wipes are carriers for highly caustic solutions with pH >11 or composed of quaternary compounds considered hazardous to human health. And they are not rinsed off!...

A few times a month, I hear from a sales rep or a user about a failed wash indicator. It must be the indicator…can’t be our process and equipment. NO WAY!!! No one wants to learn that something is out of sync. This is especially troublesome when another indicator passes and our Case Soil indicator shows residue on the coupon, a failure...

Last week, I introduced you to a novel solution and process for infection prevention for devices potentially exposed to TSE (infectious prion proteins). While Case Medical spent a decade discovering how enzymatic cleaners can  do more than remove soil from contaminated devices, controlling the variables is just as important as...

The central role of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) is to decontaminate surgical instruments for patient care procedures. By carefully following cleaning and sterilization protocols for used devices, the SPD plays a critical role in infection prevention. However, not all infectious agents are created equal.

According to OSHA, hazardous chemicals are prevalent in Central Sterile Supply (SPD). Examples include concentrated liquids with extreme pH levels, sterilization liquids and gases, plasma vapors, and other disinfecting liquids and aerosols...

Shorter cycles, less rinses have been discussed for some time at AAMI working groups and amongst healthcare professionals. Most agree that adequate contact time and rinsing is good practice for manual and automated processes. Detergents lift but rinsing removes the soil. Now manufacturers of new washer/disinfectors have gone even further by promoting cycles preset in their new machines which eliminate rinse steps and rinse times

According to OSHA, hazardous chemicals are prevalent in Central Sterile Supply (SPD). Examples include concentrated liquids with extreme pH levels, sterilization liquids and gases, plasma vapors, and other disinfecting liquids and aerosols...

To synchronize your supply chain, communication, collaboration and coordination are important habits to get used to. I’ve gotten dependent on Amazon to deliver staples like cat and dog food, kitty litter, paper towels and toilet paper. I am sure that many of you use Amazon or other online services as well to maintain control over your supplies...

In many ways, the sterile processing department is very similar to a manufacturing facility, like Case Medical. We produce products, follow standard operating procedures, without necessarily taking a hard look at how we can minimize steps and reduce waste...

Kaizen is an approach to creating continuous improvement based on the idea that small, ongoing positive changes can reap significant improvements. Continuous improvement is an ongoing process of analyzing performance, identifying opportunities, making incremental changes and continuing to grow...