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 […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
Do You Need a Large Capacity Autoclave? [Or Do You Just Think You Do?] Written by: Arthur Trapotsis “Large” may be a relative term, but in the world of steam sterilization, there’s a generally accepted threshold. Any autoclave large enough to walk into or that requires a pit to be excavated beneath the facility floor is considered a large capacity or bulk autoclave. These units are typically upward of 1,000L (36 cubic feet) […] Tweet Like Share
How to Clean Your Autoclave’s Chamber Drain Strainer [w/ Video] Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Have you ever, after getting out of the shower, grabbed a piece of tissue and used it to quickly clear the drain of any hair, soap residue or other debris? If you have, you know firsthand that taking a few moments to clean up after yourself can prevent bigger issues further down the line — […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
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 […] Tweet Like Share
1 Year Later: How CSS Contributed to Fighting COVID Written by: Arthur Trapotsis March 11, 2021, marked the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization’s announcement officially declaring the novel coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. In the days, weeks and months following the announcement, the world seemed to turn upside down and everyone, including we here at Consolidated Sterilizer Systems, struggled to adapt to what has been deemed “the […] Tweet Like Share
Sterilizing Medical Equipment Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Medical professionals are legally obligated to provide patients with a standard of care. One of the key requirements for meeting this standard of care is the proper sterilization of medical equipment. On any given day, approximately one in 31 patients contracts a healthcare-associated infection (HAI), many of which are preventable through rigorous instrument processing. Healthcare […] Tweet Like Share
12.10.25 Introducing SterilSteam Sampler, The Steam Condensate Sampler for AAMI ST108 Compliance → Released in 2023, AAMI/ANSI ST108 establishes water quality requirements for water used in the cleaning, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices. In addition to these requirements, ST108 mandates quarterly testing of steam condensate quality to ensure incoming steam does not stain instruments or pose a risk to patient safety. To help healthcare facilities […]
11.6.25 AAMI ST108 & Critical Water for Autoclaves: What ASCs Need to Know → A major step forward in patient safety, ANSI/AAMI ST108 establishes new minimum water quality requirements for water used in the cleaning, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices. Despite providing guidance on water quality management for sterile processing, ST108 has also created confusion, especially regarding test protocols, water treatment, and critical water requirements. In […]
10.20.25 What Is an Autoclave Machine Really Used for? [Applications, Costs & More] → Autoclave machines are mission-critical equipment in a variety of industries, from healthcare to biotech, ensuring equipment and materials are sterilized and safe for use. Whether you’re considering purchasing an autoclave for a new facility, replacing a broken one, or expanding your current sterilization capacity, understanding the ins and outs of autoclave technology is key to […]
