Sterilization & Disinfection

Latest Issue of OR Manager
March 2025
Home Sterilization & Disinfection

The Joint Commission issues new Quick Safety on managing packaged sterile supplies, devices

Editor's Note The Joint Commission, on June 28, announced a new Quick Safety advisory on “Managing packaged sterile supplies and devices.” The advisory provides guidance to keep patients safe from infection and harm from expired or compromised supplies and devices and urges healthcare workers (HCWs) to pay close attention to…

Read More

By: Judy Mathias
June 29, 2022
Share

Borescope examination and microbial culture findings in endoscopes

Editor's Note In this study, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Mercy Hospital, find that routinely doing borescope examinations and microbial culturing during endoscope reprocessing is a highly effective way to identify endoscopes with damage, abnormalities, and microorganisms of concern. A total of…

Read More

By: Judy Mathias
June 22, 2022
Share

Joint Commission’s Quick Safety Issue 65 on managing packaged sterile supplies, devices

Editor's Note On June 14, The Joint Commission issued a new Quick Safety report to provide guidance for managing and storing packaged sterile supplies. Organizations must identify the best location to store supplies so staff can readily access them, and ensure the supplies are being stocked to the most optimal…

Read More

By: Tarsilla Moura
June 15, 2022
Share

Contamination during reuse of N95 masks

Editor's Note This simulation study, led by researchers at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, finds that reuse of N95 masks can result in contamination of those wearing the masks and the environment, even when correct technique is used. A total of 12 healthcare workers (HCWs) performed 3…

Read More

By: Judy Mathias
June 9, 2022
Share

Sponsored Message

Revisions to ANSI/AAMI ST91, flexible endoscope processing

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…

Read More

By: Susan Klacik, BS, FCS, ACE, CHL, CIS, CRCST, AAMIF
May 24, 2022
Share

FDA: Reprocessing changes for certain Karl Storz urological endoscopes

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…

Read More

By: Judy Mathias
April 5, 2022
Share

Sponsored Message

Bacterial contamination of HCWs smartphones before, during COVID-19

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…

Read More

By: Judy Mathias
April 4, 2022
Share

ANSI/AAMI publishes long-waited ST91 updates

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…

Read More

By: Judy Mathias
March 3, 2022
Share

Study: SARS-CoV-2 particles may travel farther than once thought

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…

Read More

By: Judy Mathias
February 16, 2022
Share

The Joint Commission issues Quick Safety on instrument reprocessing

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…

Read More

By: Judy Mathias
February 16, 2022
Share

Join our community

Learn More
Video Spotlight
Live chat by BoldChat