The Infection Control Today® prevention page contains news and information on the latest updates on all facets of infection prevention. From vaccinations and immunizations to controlling air and water flow in a health care system, preventing infections falls not only on the infection prevention staff, but on all who interact within the hospital, from environmental services teams to those planning and building new construction.
October 28th 2024
Regulatory surveys in long-term care settings focus heavily on infection prevention, with F880 frequently cited. Facilities should ensure thorough infection control training for all staff and partners.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Infection Risks, Challenges, and Breakthroughs for Health Care Professionals
September 19th 2024Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a highly virulent pathogen, poses significant risks to immunocompromised patients, presenting challenges in treatment due to its antibiotic resistance and environmental persistence.
Advancing Infection Prevention With Diagnostic Innovation: Insights From Alesia McKeown, PhD
September 17th 2024Alesia McKeown, PhD, discusses the pivotal role of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies in enhancing infection prevention, especially in high-risk health care environments, during an interview with Infection Control Today.
The Role of Accurate Testing in Preventing Respiratory Illnesses: Insights from Dr. Aparna Ahuja
September 17th 2024On Get Ready for Flu Day, Dr. Aparna Ahuja discusses the importance of accurate respiratory illness testing, the risks of self-diagnosis, and the role of infection prevention personnel in public health education.
How Cleaning Medical Equipment Directly Affects Patient Safety and Equipment Longevity
September 16th 2024Hospital-associated infections affect over 1 million US patients annually. Proper medical equipment cleaning and sterilization significantly reduce infection risks, improving patient outcomes and safety.
Top 3 Secrets to Effective Infection Prevention and Control Through Strategic MDRO Surveillance
September 13th 2024Sean Brown’s 2024 Disease Prevention Summit presentation emphasized leveraging technology, prioritizing high-risk patients, and environmental surveillance to enhance infection prevention and control strategies.
World Sepsis Day: CDC's Sepsis Core Elements Impact on Hospitals at First Anniversary
September 13th 2024In 2023, the CDC released Sepsis Core Elements to improve sepsis recognition, management, and patient recovery. A recent survey shows increases in U.S. hospitals with sepsis committees, dedicated program time, and Antibiotic Stewardship Program involvement.
The Evolution of Health Care Environmental Hygiene: A Long Overdue Shift in Infection Control
September 5th 2024This 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
September 4th 2024Chronos, 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.
Addressing Sterile Processing Instrument Errors With Advanced Technology and Data Insights
September 3rd 2024Surgical 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.
Implementing FDA 21 CFR Part 820 & ISO 13485 on Quality System Regulation
August 30th 2024The 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.
The Critical Role of Pharmacies in Expanding Vaccine Access and Education
August 28th 2024Pharmacies, with their widespread locations and extended hours, have become vital access points for vaccinations, particularly in underserved communities. They provide convenience, education, and trusted health care services to millions across the US.
The Long-Term Care Chronicles: The Great Mitigators
August 27th 2024Enjoy this first installment of The Long-Term Care Chronicles With Robbie Hilliard, MSN, RN CIC, a column about managing special infection control situations in the long-term care patient population. This installment is about when 2 experts conflict about best care.
Urgent Need for a Paradigm Shift in Infectious Disease Control Amid 2024 Outbreaks
August 26th 2024The 2024 surge in infectious diseases like mpox, measles, and meningitis demands a paradigm shift in control strategies, emphasizing expanded expertise, improved airborne precautions, and rethinking cost-effectiveness in healthcare to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health.
Dear Helpdesk: Advocating for Novice Infection Preventionists
August 23rd 2024How can you help novice infection preventionists in such a challenging yet rewarding field? Dear Helpdesk answers with assistance from Rebecca Bartles, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC, executive director of the Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation for Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
Navigating Infection Prevention Challenges Amid 2024 Outbreaks: Strategies for Success
August 22nd 2024As 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.