What Is a Process Challenge Device? Written by: Consolidated Sterilizer Systems Ensuring that sterilization equipment is effective and performs as intended is crucial for any lab or sterile processing department. To determine sterilizer efficacy, technicians rely on a process called validation, in which tools known as process challenge devices are used to measure their machines’ abilities to sterilize loads. In this blog post, we’ll take a […] Tweet Like Share
Top 10 Surgery Center Architecture Firms Written by: Consolidated Sterilizer Systems Building a new ambulatory surgery center (ASC) from the ground up is no simple task. From choosing the right location and setting budgets to drawing up building plans and managing construction, there are many moving pieces to keep track of. As a more specialized project, there are certain parameters that must be met to ensure […] Tweet Like Share
What Are Biological Indicators (Spore Tests)? Written by: Consolidated Sterilizer Systems What Is a Biological Indicator & How Does It Work? A biological indicator is a test system that’s embedded within a process challenge device (PCD) and used to verify the efficacy of certain sterilization processes — such as those that rely on sterilizing agents like steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide. Biological indicators are also commonly […] Tweet Like Share
The Top 8 Hospital Sterilization Cycles for CSSDs & SPDs Written by: Consolidated Sterilizer Systems Central sterile supply departments (CSSDs) and sterile processing departments (SPDs) play an integral role in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), ensuring surgical instruments, medical devices, and other essential equipment are sterilized and ready for use. From cleaning and decontamination to storage and distribution, CSSDs and SPDs maintain rigorous processes to maintain the highest standards […] Tweet Like Share
Setting up your SPD for Success: 8 Reasons to Own a Backup Autoclave Written by: Consolidated Sterilizer Systems Steam is the most reliable and effective method for sterilizing medical equipment, and as a result, autoclaves are a fixture in almost every ASC’s sterilization setup. But, as is often the case, there are numerous situations in which ASCs find themselves without sufficient sterile processing capacity or a backup plan for when main units are […] Tweet Like Share
Consolidated Earns ACT Label, Highlighting Commitment to Sustainability Written by: CSS Marketing Team Have you ever wished that you could review an autoclave’s energy and water use, manufacturing impact, and packaging content similar to how you’d read a nutrition label at the grocery store? That’s the idea behind the ACT Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) label. Short for Accountability, Consistency, and Transparency, the ACT label demonstrates the environmental impact […] Tweet Like Share
Cordyceps Sterilization: How to Kill “The Last of Us” Parasite Written by: Arthur Trapotsis In HBO’s recent adaptation of “The Last of Us,” a popular action-adventure video game, life as we know it is upended by a parasitic fungus that transforms its human hosts into zombies. The culprit? Cordyceps, a real-life genus of fungus which is best known for infecting insects (most famously ants) in much the same manner […] Tweet Like Share
Top 13 Sterile Processing Mistakes in Hospitals Written by: Arthur Trapotsis When it comes to ensuring patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) is among the last lines of defense. It’s this department’s sole responsibility to make sure that reusable instruments and devices are properly decontaminated, sterilized, and ultimately safe to use in future procedures — protecting patients from […] Tweet Like Share
Sterilization vs. High-Level and Low-Level Disinfection [a 3-Point Comparison] Written by: Arthur Trapotsis In a 1939 paper, microbiologist Earle H. Spaulding introduced a system for determining which medical devices and instruments needed disinfection and which ones required sterilization. In it, he proposed that critical instruments would need to be subjected to more stringent disinfection protocols than non-critical patient care items. Today, this framework is fittingly known as Spaulding […] Tweet Like Share
Consolidated Sterilizer Systems and the Tour de Cure Written by: CSS Marketing Team Consolidated Sterilizer Systems Collaborates with American Diabetes Associations At Consolidated Sterilizer Systems, collaboration is one of our core values, and teamwork is at the heart of how we operate both in business and as a member of our community. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re teaming up with the American Diabetes Association for […] 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 […]
