Ep. 107 – Getting Involved in Sterile Processing Mission Trips: Interview with Sean Weir

In this episode of the Ask the Educator Podcast, we are joined by Sean Weir. Sean shares his passion for sterile processing and how he got involved in mission work. He is committed to helping others and has been involved in mission work for many years. He also shares some tips for those who are interested in getting involved in sterile processing mission trips.

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106. Ultrasonic Lumen Flushing: Is Yours Working?

We load our ultrasonic machines with laparoscopic and robotic instruments, and hopefully, we have the capability to attach them to our flushing mechanism. But how do you know if that flushing mechanism is working?

Once the lid is closed, we really have no idea what goes on inside the machine, and as we’ve learned, just because it’s humming doesn’t mean it’s…WORKING.

Kevin Anderson reviews his August 2023 webinar on lumen flushing in the ultrasonic machine and the importance of verification testing.

105. How to Kill Microorganisms with Sterilization

Do you know how your sterilizer kills microorganisms? Or more importantly, do you know the mistakes that we make that could prevent them from being killed? Healthmark Industries Clinical Education Specialist, Malinda Elammari, illustrates how this sterilization process works.

A follow-up to Healthmark’s most popular webinar in 2023 (Murder Mystery: Death by Sterilization), you won’t want to miss this one!

104. What is the Cost of a Sterile Processing Error?

In sterile processing, we know that mistakes can be costly. But without hard data (and a monetary value) these errors are often abstract and hard to quantify, thus making them fade into the background of our minds.

Gregory Agoston, from Specialty Care, may have found a solution! Listen in to learn more about how Gregg and his team got their data and used it in a practical and simple way to improve processes.

Reprocessing Ultrasound Probes & Understanding Percutaneous Procedures

Are you reprocessing ultrasound probes in your sterile processing or endoscopy department? If so, are you aware of the percutaneous procedures that may be being performed utilizing these probes?

Dr. Daniel Lightfoot (Nanosonics) joins the podcast to talk about reprocessing these ultrasound probes safely utilizing the Spaulding Classification Scale, and how communication is vital between the areas of the hospital that use them and the department responsible for processing them.

Find out if your facility is aware of the potential issues with this technology!

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State Mandated Certification in Sterile Processing: A 20 Year Anniversary | PART 2

It’s been 20 years since New Jersey and later New York were able to have legislation passed for mandatory certification in Sterile Processing. In those 20 years, only 3 other states have been successful at getting this type of legislation on the books.  Why are so many others failing, where NJ & NY have succeeded?  Is there hope for the future?  In this episode, our guest host, Stephen Kovach poses these questions and more to Nancy Chobin, Tony Monaco, and Don Gordon, just some of the influential parties responsible for making mandatory certification possible in NJ & NY.