Authors


 Benjamin Hottel, PhD, BCE, PCQI  (Photo courtesy of Rollins)
Benjamin Hottel, PhD, BCE, PCQI

Latest:

Defending Health Care Facilities: Winter Pest Control and Sanitation Strategies

Cold weather can attract pests seeking warmth and shelter in health care facilities. Learn effective strategies, including sanitation and pest management, to protect patients this winter.


Infection Control Today® Editorial Staff

Latest:

Managing Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy in HIV: Insights From Michelle S. Cespedes, MD, MS

Michelle S. Cespedes, MD, MS, discusses the challenges of managing multimorbidity and polypharmacy in HIV treatment, emphasizing patient education, evolving guidelines, and real-world insights from the REPRIEVE study.



Adriana Casale, BSN, RN, ADNS, IPCO

Latest:

Implementation of CMS QSO-24-08-NH for Long-Term Care: An Explanation

Check out Infection Control Today's PowerPoint that explains updates to the long-term care enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) requirements from the CMS.


John Stehle, PhD, CIC

Latest:

How Emerging Technologies Increase Hand Hygiene Adherence and Reduce Infections

Health care-associated infections (HAIs) affect over 680,000 patients annually in the U.S. Unlike manual methods, automated hand hygiene monitoring can significantly improve compliance and reduce HAIs.


ICT Staff

Latest:

Training Is The Key to a Good Fit Test Program App Note (ITI-031) US

This paper outlines a primary reason to fit test an individual is to verify that he or she has been trained to wear a respirator and has learned how to don the facepiece correctly. Improper use can compromise the respirator’s protection.


Laurie Saloman, MS

Latest:

Consider COVID-19 Testing Before Holiday Gatherings

No agreed-upon definition exists that spells out exactly which symptoms trigger the need for a test. One expert says that if a get-together includes, for example, someone with Stage 4 cancer, it would be appropriate for all attendees to test beforehand.


Preeti Mehrotra, MD, MPH

Latest:

From Single to Multiuse: A Brief Review of N95 Respirator Decontamination Strategies

Here, we will review 3 common sterilization modalities currently in use for N95 respirator decontamination, how they work, and their strengths and limitations.


Robert Elsenpeter

Latest:

Brushing Up on Sterile Processing in Dentistry

Dental instruments may not seem as invasive as the instruments used in medical surgeries, but they still pose the same dangers.


Michael Craig, MPP

Latest:

CDC Speaks About New Data From Antimicrobial Resistance Threats Fact Sheet

In a follow-up to Infection Control Today's (ICT's) article on the CDC's Antimicrobial Resistance Threats in the US 2021-2022 release, Michael Craig, MPP, director of CDC's Antimicrobial Resistance Coordination and Strategy Unit, answers ICT's questions.


Mary Miller, BSN, RN, CIC

Latest:

CLABSI Culprits in Critical Care: Looking Beyond the Expected Portal of Entry

Infection preventionists focus on patient safety. Reducing CLABSIs requires meticulous care for all vascular access points, not just central lines, to prevent bloodstream infections.


Eddie Jay LeCastillo, MSN, RN, CNL

Latest:

The Best Way to Start an IP Role Is With The Joint Commission: One IP's Experience

The first day as an infection preventionist can be nerve wracking, but what happens when The Joint Commission is there the same day?


Rich Prinz

Latest:

Environmental Measures Disrupt Transmission of HAIs

Time, staff, and budget constraints make it difficult to expand HAI mitigation programs despite the obvious and urgent need to do so.


Eliza Johnson, BS, CRCST

Latest:

Implementing FDA 21 CFR Part 820 & ISO 13485 on Quality System Regulation

The FDA's 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485 are crucial in regulating medical device quality systems. Harmonizing these standards by 2026 will streamline compliance, improve patient access to devices, and align US regulations with global practices.



Matthew Weissenbach, DrPH, CPH, CIC, FAPIC

Latest:

Navigating Infection Prevention Challenges Amid 2024 Outbreaks: Strategies for Success

As infectious diseases resurge in 2024, this article explores how IPs can manage outbreaks, allocate resources, use technology for surveillance, and collaborate with senior leaders to ensure business continuity and patient safety in health care settings.


Charles P. Gerba, PhD

Latest:

Continuously Active Disinfectants Can Keep COVID at Bay

Charles P. Gerba, PhD: “Unfortunately, standard procedures for testing and registration by regulatory agencies of CADs (continuously active sanitizers or disinfectants) as disinfectants useful in preventing exposure to disease causing microorganism transmission has only taken place in recent years.”


Debra Hagberg, MT (ASCP), CIC

Latest:

As HAIs Rise, New Methods of Counterattack Sought

Even the most rigorous infection prevention protocols come unraveled if compliance isn’t maintained. The challenge is that for busy health care professionals, remembering when and how to disinfect is just one of many competing tasks in an extremely busy day.


Alpesh Amin, MD, MBA, MACP, SFHM, FACC, FRCP (LOND)

Latest:

Keeping the Stethoscope, the Clinician’s Third Hand, Clean

Stethoscope diaphragms are contaminated with the same pathogens as the hands and they are capable of transmitting pathogens from patient to patient. The CDC should readdress its published guidelines.


Jessica L. Peck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN
Jessica L. Peck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN

Latest:

Infection Control in Pediatrics: Primary Preventions to Promote Child Health

Infection prevention in pediatrics is crucial to keep babies and children healthy. Some of the main tools are hand washing and vaccinations; however, there is more to do.


Ellie Wishart, BSc

Latest:

Environmental Hygiene Industry Leaders Converge to Discuss BPR Regulations

Ellie Wishart, BSc, Real World Evidence Manager at Ecolab discusses the role of industry partners in the Clean Hospitals initiative and taking part in the International Clean Hospitals Day Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 20, 2022.


Jared Kaltwasser

Latest:

Most Decontamination Methods for N95s Seem to Work

The shape and material composition of the N95 respirators varied widely from manufacturer to manufacturer, which can result in variations in the efficacy of a particular method from one product to the next.


Tommy Davis, PhD

Latest:

Barrier Against Infection: Importance and Challenges of Isolation Room Cleaning in Hospitals

Isolation rooms are essential for infection control in health care, relying on specialized design, advanced cleaning protocols, and technology to prevent cross-contamination and safeguard patient safety.


Doe Kley, RN, MPH, CIC, LTC-CIP, T-CHEST

Latest:

The Problem(s) With Candida auris: What IPs and EVS Personnel Should Know

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, infection preventionists, nurses, environmental services personnel, and other health care workers cannot forget about C auris.


Anjali Bisht, MPH, CIC

Latest:

Pandemic Places Importance of Preventing Environmental Infection at Center Stage

IPs can provide valuable input on construction projects, water safety, and ventilation.


Krupa Patel, BS

Latest:

Managing Infection During Delivery: Protecting Maternal and Neonatal Well-Being

During delivery, babies can acquire infections if they come into contact with pathogens present in the birth canal or from the mother’s genital tract.


Thelma King Thiel, BA, RN

Latest:

World Hepatitis Day: The Fight Continues

This Sunday, July 28, is World Hepatitis Day, a time to raise awareness and support research for infection prevention and treatment.


Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC

Latest:

Ultrasound in Percutaneous Procedures: One Size Does Not Fit All for Reprocessing

Accurate device information and proper sterilization or disinfection are crucial to ensure safety during ultrasound procedures.


Shalini Nagar

Latest:

Lassa Fever: What Is It, and How Do We Fight It?

Lassa fever causes 5000 deaths a year. What should health care workers and the public know about this rare disease, and what is done to treat it?


Shazia Irum, MSC, MBA, RN, CIC, CPHQ

Latest:

The Value of Certification in Infection Prevention and Control: Why Is it important?

Certification in infection prevention and control is essential for career growth, higher salaries, and improved patient outcomes. Learn why certification matters from Shazia Irum, MSC, MBA, RN, CIC, CPHQ, CBIC Ambassador in Saudi Arabia.