This is too frequently a tactic used in politics, business, commerce, and in the health care industry to create doubt about a product or service, even a person’s best intentions. Last week, we discussed how science experiments utilize both positive and negative controls. We pointed out how process indicators used to monitor both cleaning and sterilization efficacy also serve to alert us to failures that then need to be investigated...

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...

Loaners play an important role in the modern healthcare system. Instrument sets are very expensive, and a healthcare facility doesn’t always have the budget to purchase them outright. This is especially true for highly specialized instrument sets, that aren’t often used but are still expensive to purchase...

Before the advent of computers, everything was done on paper; there was simply no other choice. Computers were supposed to change that, with their interconnectivity and programs like Microsoft Office that allowed users to write and send documents digitally. However, the opposite proved to be true...

The use of adhesives and stickers on containers and medical devices has become a potential problem. Issues with residue on devices have led to a surge in citations from The Joint Commission for facilities not properly removing adhesive labels and the associated residue...

The beginning of the year means a complete inventory count so we can calculate our various taxes and see what our stock levels are. Our inventory is pretty big, so this is an all-hands operation. Production is completely stopped, employees are grouped into teams, and they go into our shelving to count everything that is there...

2023 was full of achievements for us here at Case Medical...

Two relate to cutting fuel consumption and air pollution associated with driving: More people worked from home and more meetings were held virtually. A third change may not be as apparent, but it affects anyone whose wastewater involves a sewer system...

Last week, we discussed the value of utilizing high purity RO water for cleaning and rinsing. This week, we are faced with a continuing problem of residue remaining on surgical devices. I’ve been in this industry for over thirty years and only recently heard about the frequency of white powder residue on containers and even on single use wrap after sterilization...

According to the CDC, public water is regulated but can sometimes get contaminated. With water shortages in the West, depleting reservoirs, and flooding here in the Northeast from too much rain and clogged sewer pipes, we find that we not only have to monitor the water quality in our manufacturing facility, but also keep an eye on the drains in our neighborhood...