The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) released the updated ANSI/AAMI ST91:2021 Flexible and semi-rigid endoscope processing in healthcare facilities. The revised version reflects current research and advancements in flexible endoscope processing. What follows is an abbreviated summary of some of the key revisions and additions. Future columns…

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Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 4 issued a letter to healthcare providers and users saying the agency is aware that current reprocessing instructions for certain urological endoscopes manufactured by Karl Storz are inadequate and are being updated by the company. In the letter, the FDA…

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Editor's Note This German study finds that bacterial contamination of healthcare workers’ (HCWs’) smartphones can be a source of cross-contamination, and cleaning intensity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of 295 HCWs (99 in 2012 and 196 in 2021) from 26 wards comprising 19 different specialties included in the analysis, bacterial…

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Editor's Note After 7 years, ANSI/AAMI has updated its standard for cleaning and storing medical devices, such as flexible bronchoscopes and various endoscopes. The updated standard, “ANSI/AAMI ST91:2021, Flexible and semi-rigid endoscope processing in health care facilities,” addresses new technologies and concerns about device cleanliness and patient safety. “ANSI/AAMI ST91:2021…

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Editor's Note This study by researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, finds that small respiratory particles can remain moist and airborne for a longer time and greater distance than scientists have recognized. The researchers found that mucus shells surrounding respiratory droplets--emitted from the…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission on February 14 issued a new Quick Safety on “Ensuring critical instruments and devises are appropriate for reuse.” The Quick Safety highlights reprocessing guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as special considerations for single use devices reprocessed by third parties that…

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The differences between sterile processing (SP) and OR tasks and department cultures are significant. However, they share a collective goal: both work toward the best outcome for every patient. Still, both departments often suffer from having unrealistic goals for each other. One example is that the OR may expect instruments…

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI) on any given day. To help mitigate HAIs, implementing infection control procedures and policies, frequently performing hand hygiene by all staff and patients, and keeping the healthcare environment…

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Editor's Note This pilot project, by epidemiologist Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and colleagues finds that routine reprocessing activities generate substantial splashing and droplet dispersal, and that currently recommended items of personal protective equipment (PPE) do not adequately protect personnel from exposure. The researchers found that: Droplets were generated during every…

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Sterilization containers are used in many surgery departments. They offer many benefits, including providing an exceptional barrier to microorganisms, protecting instruments from damage, and eliminating torn wrappers. These benefits can only be realized if the sterilization containers are used properly, however. Guidance for the use of sterilization containers is given…

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