types-of-infection-control

7 Best Practices for Hospital Infection Control

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

In the fight against infection, healthcare facilities have many preventative measures at their disposal. Together, these best practices form an infection control policy that aims to create safe environments in which patients can heal and recover after surgeries and other procedures. Read on to find out what they are and why each is important. Table […]

Sterile Processing Department Challenges

The Top 9 Challenges Sterile Processing Departments Face

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

There’s a reason why Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) are often referred to as “the heart of the hospital.” This is where all of a healthcare facility’s soiled surgical instruments and other devices go for cleaning and sterilization, ensuring they’ll be ready to use during future procedures. Additionally, the SPD plays a crucial role in maintaining […]

sterile-processing-department

4 Key Impacts of Sterile Processing in Hospitals and ASCs

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

In hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), sterile processing — the cleaning and sterilizing of soiled surgical instruments and other medical devices — is one of the most important functions for patient care. This process is so integral to the day-to-day operations of surgical facilities that many have dedicated sterile processing departments (SPDs) to ensure […]

4 Ways Technology Improves Patient Care in Hospitals & ASCs

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

When you think about patient care, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s a team of doctors coming up with a course of treatment or a clinician providing emotional support for patients. While treatment plans and a warm bedside manner are both important, patient care encompasses much more. Today, technology plays an important part in providing […]

Alternatives-to-Ethylene-Oxide

Medical Device Sterilization: 4 Alternatives to Ethylene Oxide

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

With thanks to Emily Lorcheim of ClorDiSys Solutions for her contributions. Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is the man-made chemical that’s responsible for sterilizing roughly half of the medical equipment used in the U.S. today. The popularity of EtO as a sterilizing agent stems from its versatility — it’s compatible with a wide range of materials, highly […]

close up shot of gloved surgeon hands using tools

Autoclaves for Orthopedic Surgery: Best Practices to Follow

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

In order to ensure patient safety and achieve successful surgical outcomes, orthopedic surgery centers (OSCs) need to sterilize all equipment — including implants — before use. As demand for total joint surgeries and outpatient procedures increases, so, too, does the total volume of implants, instruments, and other equipment that requires processing. Steam sterilization is one […]

Chamber Cleaning Instructions

Autoclave Basics: Chamber Cleaning Instructions [w/ Video]

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

The idea of cleaning your autoclave’s chamber on a regular basis might seem counterintuitive — after all, autoclaves are designed to sterilize lab equipment. Wouldn’t it naturally follow that the chamber is also sterilized each time you run a cycle? The reality is that, without routine cleaning, the moisture, high temperatures, and pressure that make […]

bioreactor-sterilization

Bioreactor Sterilization: What You Need to Know

Written by: Arthur Trapotsis

Bioreactors — vessels designed to promote the growth of organisms such as yeast, bacteria or animal cells under controlled conditions — are a critical component in biotechnology companies, and a common device used in both established firms and startups.  In order to prevent contamination, which can be incredibly costly in by time lost and money […]