The increasing complexity of surgeries warrants the corresponding medical instrumentation, however many healthcare facilities lack the budgets to procure this instrumentation permanently. Loaner Instrumentation -- the critical and semi-critical medical devices that are used by a healthcare facility under an arrangement based on lending or trial use of new medical devices -- may be the best option for many institutions, but there are numerous challenges and risks associated with loaned devices. The onus is on sterile processing professionals to be able to clean, disinfect and sterilize these instruments, as well as to identify problems associated with these sets and to mitigate or eliminate the risks involved.
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Most Harmful and Costly Hospital-Acquired Infection
February 5th 2025Nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a deadly, overlooked infection impacting patient outcomes. With new diagnostic tools and prevention strategies, hospitals must prioritize oral hygiene to reduce risk.
The Key to Sterile Processing Success: Leadership Engagement and Team Collaboration
January 24th 2025Effective sterile processing leadership requires active engagement, clear communication, and a transformational approach to foster collaboration, accountability, and quality in infection prevention and surgical instrument management.
Top 7 Infection Control Today Articles of 2024: Insights and Innovations
December 30th 2024From advanced sterilization methods to combating antimicrobial resistance, Infection Control Today’s top articles of 2024 delivered actionable strategies for safer healthcare environments and improved patient outcomes.
Redefining Competency: A Comprehensive Framework for Infection Preventionists
December 19th 2024Explore APIC’s groundbreaking framework for defining and documenting infection preventionist competency. Christine Zirges, DNP, ACNS-BC, CIC, FAPIC, shares insights on advancing professional growth, improving patient safety, and navigating regulatory challenges.
Tackling Health Care-Associated Infections: SHEA’s Bold 10-Year Research Plan to Save Lives
December 12th 2024Discover SHEA's visionary 10-year plan to reduce HAIs by advancing infection prevention strategies, understanding transmission, and improving diagnostic practices for better patient outcomes.
Environmental Hygiene: Air Pressure and Ventilation: Negative vs Positive Pressure
December 10th 2024Learn more about how effective air pressure regulation in health care facilities is crucial for controlling airborne pathogens like tuberculosis and COVID-19, ensuring a safer environment for all patients and staff.