Sterilization & Disinfection
EPA rule to limit dangerous emissions from medical sterilization plants
Editor's Note The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to reduce chloroprene and ethylene oxide emissions that will impact over 200 chemical plants across the nation, including medical sterilization plants, according to an April 10 report from USA Today. Under the new rule, the EPA will cut more…
ChatGPT, Mixtral AI systems show promise in detecting healthcare-associated infections
Editor's Note Based on the performance of two specific systems in detecting healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in a recent study, artificial intelligence (AI) could help providers enhance surveillance, streamline tasks, and free staff to focus on patient care. Published March 14 in The American Journal of Infection Control, the study assessed…
Study: UV-C light effectively disinfects non-sterile, high-touch surfaces
Editor's Note Although many studies have focused on infection transmission within the operating room, authors of research published in the March issue of the Journal of Infection Control focused their study of UV-C light disinfection on non-sterile hubs of patient care—in this case, high-touch surfaces within an academic endoscopy unit.…
Forced-air device outperforms standard endoscope drying practices, study shows
Editor's Note Authors of a recent study evaluating the effectiveness of a forced-air drying system for endoscopes argue that the results reinforce the need to re-evaluate standard drying practices. Findings were published February 24 in the American Journal of Infection Control. Wet environments resulting from inadequate drying practices can result…
Surgical scrub evolution and the future of smart medical attire
For surgeons and other medical professionals, what to wear to work is more than just an afterthought. Over the decades, surgical scrubs have undergone a significant transformation, evolving from simple, functional garments to sophisticated attire that prioritizes both comfort and infection control. They are not merely clothing but a vital…
New EPA standards to reduce ethylene oxide emissions
Editor's Note New standards from The Environmental Protection Agency promise to cut nationwide emissions of ethylene oxide—employed to sterilize more than half of US medical devices—by more than 90 percent. According to a March 15 MedPage Today report, the aim is to reduce cancer risk among the 13 to 14…
Negative pressure wound therapy reduces SSI across surgical specialties
Editor's Note Compared with standard wound dressings, single-use negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) devices can reduce the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in at-risk patients with closed surgical incisions across a range of surgical specialties, according to a data review highlighted in the February issue of the American Journal…
Unveiling ECRI’s 2024 top 10 health technology hazards list
What is the purpose of the top 10 health technology hazards list, released every year by ECRI? “Our number one goal at ECRI is to reduce preventable harm,” stresses Jason Launders, MSC, former director of operations, device evaluation, at ECRI. “We know that every healthcare provider has a lot they…
Why OR leaders should revisit sterile processing basics
Sterile Processing Department (SPD) managers and technicians know a thing or two about pressure. In a recent webinar covering sterile processing basics, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, president and CEO of Ofstead & Associates, Inc, and Abby Smart, MPH, research associate, cited the example of a 480-bed hospital that performed 13,650…
Breaking down the surgical gown: Disposable versus reusable, latest innovations
There is movement happening in the world of surgical gowns. It is driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought new focus to the need for adequate stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE)—and for PPE that works as intended. Staff need to know their gowns incorporate the latest technology…
Free Daily News
- FDA: Surgical mesh mini-slings comparable to mid-urethral slings for stress urinary incontinence
- Federal regulations require written consent for pelvic exams at hospitals, medical schools
- Survey: More than half of ED nurses experienced violence in past month
- Heart transplant research proves out 24-hour organ preservation method
- Healthcare safety report: Outcomes improving, but workplace violence persists
- Annual CMS rules support underserved, under-resourced communities, promote value-based care
- Data resource details causes, health implications of sleep deprivation
- Medical error initiative from Joint Commission affiliate NQF targets preventable harm, “never events”
- EPA rule to limit dangerous emissions from medical sterilization plants
- Newly FDA-approved microsurgical system holds promise for training, new treatments