Beyond Clean
Episodes
A Speck in Your Eye: Putting an End to the Finger-Pointing
Black specks may be small, but the tension they create between departments can be anything but. In this episode of “What the Speck?,” Alex Miseirvitch from Aesculap® joins us again to talk about one of the most overlooked challenges in solving the black speck mystery—finger-pointing. When trays are rejected and surgeries are delayed, the pressure to find someone responsible can quickly overshadow the real goal: protecting patients and solving the issue together. Alex shares lessons from the field on how teams can move past blame and work together to find real solutions. Because when everyone is focused on proving who’s right, it becomes a lot harder to solve what’s actually wrong. Tune in today!
Over the next 6 weeks, this series dives into one of sterile processing’s most frustrating challenges—black specks. From water and steam quality to department culture, risk assessments, and root cause analysis, we’re digging into every angle to uncover real answers (and real solutions) for your SPD.
A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series!
#BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast
On Pathogens & PPE: Assembly Without Disruptions
You’re building a tray. The phone rings. Someone needs an update. You step away… and just like that, the process breaks. On this week’s episode of “On Pathogens & PPE,” host Jill Holdsworth and co-host Katie Belski are joined by Art Babiy, Jennifer Greisen, and Ebow Holdbrook-Smith to talk through the real challenges #CleanFreaks are facing in assembly areas. From stepping away mid-tray and chasing down tools to managing constant distractions and pressure from the OR, this conversation calls out the moments where processes can break down and how your team can stay on track. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to move faster while still getting it right, this episode is for you!
Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you’re in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference!
New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible.
#BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast
*Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.
SPD Fact Check – The $4,999 Problem: What Invoice Splitting Really Costs SPD Leaders
$4,999. In many SPDs, that number can be the difference between getting what your department needs—or waiting months for approval. On this episode of Beyond Clean, we’re joined by Stephen Benzel, Director of Accounting at LifeSpring Health Systems, to take a closer look at the financial decisions directly impacting how your SPD operates day to day. From the risks tied to splitting invoices to how budget structures can push teams toward short-term workarounds, Stephen brings clarity to the financial side of Sterile Processing. He also explores what stronger collaboration with finance really looks like and how it can change the outcome for your team. If you’ve ever felt caught between what your department needs and how you’re going to pay for it, this episode is one you don’t want to miss!
After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode32-04
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 #Podcast #Season32 #SPDFactCheck #InvoiceSplitting #Finance #Expenses #CapitalSpending #OperationalCosts
Problems in the Pipes: Is Water Causing Your Black Specks?
When black specks show up in your trays, water is often the first suspect—but is it really to blame? In this episode of “What the Speck?,” Christian Abell from Aesculap’s Surgical Asset Management team dives into one of the most common theories behind the black speck mystery: water quality. From city water changes and construction disturbances to failing filters and aging equipment, Christian breaks down how contaminants can make their way from the pipes into your reprocessing workflows. If you’ve ever suspected the culprit might be hiding somewhere in your water system, the trail of clues may lead straight to the pipes.
Over the next 6 weeks, this series dives into one of sterile processing’s most frustrating challenges—black specks. From water and steam quality to department culture, risk assessments, and root cause analysis, we’re digging into every angle to uncover real answers (and real solutions) for your SPD.
A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series!
#BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast
On Pathogens & PPE: Why Brush Selection Matters
Think one brush fits all? Think again! On this week’s episode of “On Pathogens & PPE,” hosts Jill Holdsworth and Trevor Hazen are joined by Nelson Winter, Emily Barnard, and Ron Hunsucker to take a closer look at how brush selection, sizing, and technique impact your manual cleaning process. From choosing the right brush size and type to knowing when a brush has reached the end of its life, this group calls out the habits that can quietly compromise your workflow. They also highlight how training, storage, and daily practices can make or break consistency across your team. Grab your favorite brushes and tune in, #CleanFreaks —chances are, you’ll be taking a second look at them after this one!
Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you’re in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference!
New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible.
#BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast
*Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.
SPD Fact Check – Just Roll with It? The Dirty Truth about Instrument Transport
It might only be a few steps from the OR to decontam, so how do you ensure your instruments get there safely? This week on Season 32 “SPD Fact Check,” we’re joined by veteran Sterile Processing consultant Marc Finch as he shares what it really takes to move contaminated instruments safely through your facility. From what AAMI ST79 requires to why back table drapes and biohazard bags fall short, Marc walks us through the critical steps that can often be overlooked. He also highlights how gaps in transport practices can expose staff, damage instruments, and create risks throughout your workflow. Whether your team is moving instruments down the hall or across multiple floors, this episode will have you taking a closer look at how your transport process holds up.
After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode32-03
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 #Podcast #Season32 #SPDFactCheck #InstrumentTransport #CaseCart #BiohazardBag #Safety #Compliance
