Beyond Clean

Even though their tools and equipment touch nearly every surgical patient in the world, how much do you really know about the people, processes, and products used in the Sterile Processing industry? The Beyond Clean podcast offers a creative look into the inner workings of a healthcare industry surrounded by challenges, disrupted by change, and committed to getting it right — every instrument, every time. The team at Beyond Clean will bring on some of the biggest names in surgical instrument reprocessing and provide commentary on the biggest issues facing Sterile Processing professionals, facilities, administrators, manufacturers, and vendors. Join us every week as we explore the hidden world of one of the most important aspect of safe surgical care.

Episodes

Blood In the Water: An IP Perspective on Pathogen Exposures

A tiny needle. A missed burr. A hidden blade at the bottom of the sink. These aren’t just near misses—they’re real exposure risks facing techs in decontam every day. So, how prepared is your team to respond? This week, we’re joined by Garrett Hollembeak, infection preventionist and Editor-in-Chief of Transmission Control, to explore pathogen exposure through the eyes of an IP. From bloodborne pathogen kits and near-miss reporting to PPE breakdowns and employee health follow-up, Garrett shares a frontline perspective on what happens when worst-case scenarios become real. Whether you’re developing safety protocols or wondering about the true risks of serious bloodborne exposures, this is one conversation that could save more than just paperwork—it could save a life.

Season 28 of Beyond Clean releases under the 1 Episode = 1 CE delivery model. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked below each week. Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. 

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #WeFightDirty #Podcast #Season28 #InfectionPrevention #WorkplaceSafety

Everything is Cleaner in Texas: Sticky Situations: How Biofilm Threatens Sterile Processing

On this week’s episode of Everything is Cleaner in Texas, we’re wrangling one of the toughest, sneakiest outlaws in SPD — the one and only biofilm! Join host Dusty Glass as he sits down with STERIS’s Amy Williams to break down how this invisible threat forms, spreads, and sticks around longer than it should. From point-of-use cleaning to the risks of dried-on bioburden, Amy shares practical insights, tough truths, and the strategies every frontline team needs to know to stop biofilm in its tracks. If you’ve ever wondered how biofilm forms—or how to stop the spread—this episode is packed with the tools you need to #FightDirty!

A special thanks to our sponsor, STERIS IMS, for making this series possible! Their commitment to education and excellence in the Sterile Processing industry has been instrumental in bringing this series to life. Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook so you never miss a new episode!

After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked below each week. Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. 

#BeyondClean #STERISIMS #EverythingIsCleanerInTexas #SterileProcessing

Process Better: Inventory Intelligence: From Excellence Picks to Expired Supplies

From the shelf to the sterile field, smart inventory makes all the difference! In this week’s new episode from our “Process Better” series, Tracy Smith, National Market Sales Director at Medline, takes us inside the everyday realities of supply management across SPD and the OR. From improving pick accuracy to staying ahead of expirations, Tracy shares practical strategies to help teams bring structure and consistency to their inventory process. Whether you’re trying to stay ahead of expiration dates or chasing down missing items, this episode offers the insight and tools you need to take control of your supply game—one pick at a time. Tune in today!

This dynamic 5-part series takes you inside the core workflows of Sterile Processing—from point-of-use cleaning to instrument management and everything in between. With each episode, you’ll hear real-world strategies to help your team improve consistency, boost collaboration, and elevate instrument quality from start to finish.

Whether you’re assembling trays, managing inventory, or training the next generation, this series is packed with insights to help your team process better every instrument, every time. A special thanks to our sponsor, Medline Industries, LP, for making this series possible!

#BeyondClean #Medline #ProcessBetter #InstrumentReprocessing #SterileProcessing #SmartInventory #HealthcareSupplyChain #ExpirationDates

Piece Out? Undone? The Great Decon Disassembly Debate

Three turns of a screw could be the difference between a clean instrument and a dangerous infection risk—yet how do we know which instruments actually need to come apart in decontam? On this episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Decontam, we welcome the new President of HSPA, Arlene Bush, to weigh in on the critical debate around instrument disassembly during manual and automated cleaning. From navigating complex IFUs to training strategies that empower frontline #CleanFreaks, Arlene tackles the real challenges of knowing what must come apart—and how to put it all back together again. Whether you’re looking to build confidence in new technicians or streamline your processes, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!

Season 28 of Beyond Clean releases under the 1 Episode = 1 CE delivery model. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked below each week.

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #WeFightDirty #Podcast #Season28 #Instruments #Disassembly #IFU

Everything is Cleaner in Texas: East, West, Big, Small: Insights from the Cowboy of Clean

From east to west and everywhere in between, no one’s seen it all quite like Ron Hunsucker. In this week’s episode of Everything is Cleaner in Texas, we sit down with the legendary “Cowboy of Clean” to talk shop on everything from certification journeys to culture shifts in Sterile Processing. With four decades of boots-on-the-ground experience, Ron shares the wins, the lessons, and the leadership mindset that’s shaped his work across every corner of the Lone Star State. Whether you’re learning the ropes or leading the way, this conversation is filled with hard-earned wisdom and that signature Texas grit.

A special thanks to our sponsor, STERIS IMS, for making this series possible! Their commitment to education and excellence in the Sterile Processing industry has been instrumental in bringing this series to life. Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook so you never miss a new episode!

After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked below each week. Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. 

#BeyondClean #STERISIMS #EverythingIsCleanerInTexas #SterileProcessing

Process Better: The Art and Science of Set Assembly: Audit with Purpose

Set assembly might seem routine, but it’s one of the most critical opportunities to ensure instrument accuracy and performance. So, how do you create a process that supports accuracy without slowing down your team? In this episode of our “Process Better” series, Tory Teakell, Clinical Solutions Manager at Medline, walks us through the essential role of assembly and inspection—and how purposeful audits can turn good processes into great ones. From managing productivity pressures to improving technician training, Tory shares practical ways to support consistency at the prep table and beyond. If you’re looking to fine-tune your set assembly process and empower your team to succeed, this episode is a must-listen!

This dynamic 5-part series takes you inside the core workflows of Sterile Processing—from point-of-use cleaning to instrument management and everything in between. With each episode, you’ll hear real-world strategies to help your team improve consistency, boost collaboration, and elevate instrument quality from start to finish.

Whether you’re assembling trays, managing inventory, or training the next generation, this series is packed with insights to help your team process better every instrument, every time. A special thanks to our sponsor, Medline Industries, LP, for making this series possible!

#BeyondClean #Medline #ProcessBetter #InstrumentReprocessing #SterileProcessing #SetAssembly #InstrumentPerformance #InstrumentInspection

About Instructor

Hank Balch

Weapon of Mass Microbial Destruction

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