Podcasts about ifus

Hospitals are facing mounting pressure from staff shortages, rising costs, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements. Surgical suites and sterile processing departments (SPDs) are two of the most resource-intensive areas, yet many still rely on manual processes and fragmented data. According to the American Hospital Association, nearly 1,400 hospitals, or 31% of hospitals, reported a critical staffing shortage to the federal government as of January 19, 2022, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions. In response, AI in surgery is gaining traction as a practical tool to augment clinical teams and streamline perioperative workflows without compromising patient safety.How can hospitals use AI to increase surgical efficiency, meet compliance standards, and improve patient outcomes without overwhelming already-burdened staff?This episode of ConCensis by Censis Technologies, hosted by Amy Chadoff, features Harshil Goradia, Chief Technology Officer and VP of IT at Censis. Together, they explore how AI in surgery is transforming sterile processing and operating rooms, highlighting real-world examples from hospital networks and unpacking how AI is shifting from pilot phase to enterprise necessity.Key Highlights:AI Drives Throughput Without Adding Burden: At St. Luke's Health Network, AI tools helped increase sterilization throughput by 20%, processing 5,000 more trays a month with the same staff.Agentic AI Enables Real-Time Action: Emerging agentic AI can autonomously adjust surgical schedules, flag shortages, and optimize workflows, offering actionable insights instead of just analytics.Compliance and Safety at Scale: AI supports SPD technicians by cross-referencing IFUs in real time, identifying assembly errors, and improving standardization across facilities.Harshil Goradia is the Chief Technology Officer and VP of IT at Censis Technologies, where he leads R&D, AI innovation, and IT strategy. Prior to Censis, he served in the AI Center of Excellence at Fortive and spearheaded digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing and healthcare. His background spans predictive analytics, generative AI, and large-scale system integration, making him a thought leader in operationalizing AI across healthcare environments.

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

Do you think your dental waterlines are clean? Discover the hidden risks and how to ensure patient safety. In this episode, Kevin Henry and Michelle Strange, RDH, delve into the critical topic of dental waterline safety. They explore the formation of biofilm in dental unit waterlines and its potential health risks. The discussion covers essential practices for maintaining clean waterlines, including regular testing, shocking, and adherence to manufacturers' Instructions for Use (IFUs). They also emphasize the importance of establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent waterline maintenance and compliance with infection control standards. Key Discussion Points: Understanding biofilm formation in dental unit waterlines. Health implications of contaminated waterlines. Best practices for waterline testing and maintenance. Importance of following IFUs and establishing SOPs. —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot's Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn't have done it without you. Go check it out—we're listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —--------------------------------------------

Picture it: You're standing in decontam, 10 case carts deep, trying to track down the right IFU—and the OR rushes in with a STAT turnaround tray. In this moment, memory, speed, and accuracy collide—and compliance is put to the test! On this week's episode of Beyond Clean's Planet Decontam, Art Babiy joins us to tackle the real-world challenges hidden inside instrument IFUs. From real-time access issues to the serious risks of non-compliance, we explore why true IFU compliance remains one of the toughest hurdles in Sterile Processing. If you're tired of getting lost in a maze of IFUs, this is one conversation 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 #IFU #Compliance

Episode 135: Education Gaps in Reprocessing Endoscopes With complex IFUs and limited time between procedures in endoscopy, gaps in education and processes can lead to mistakes. On this episode, IP Consultant Emily Barnard (MPH, CIC, HACP-CMS) of Epidemiology Loves Solutions identifies these gaps and offers practical solutions. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

With complex IFUs and limited time between procedures in endoscopy, gaps in education and processes can lead to mistakes. In this episode, IP Consultant Emily Barnard (MPH, CIC, HACP-CMS) of Epidemiology Loves Solutions identifies these gaps and offers practical solutions.

8 PM delivery for tomorrow's 7 AM case - let the loaner reprocessing race begin! Between rushed timelines and complex IFUs, these vendor instruments are putting SPDs to the test. In this season finale of Beyond Clean's Season 26 "The Processes that Save Lives," we're tackling Sterile Processing's biggest wild card - loaner reprocessing! From delivery timelines to manufacturer requirements, Hank Balch breaks down why successful loaner management processes require more than just quick turnarounds. Are you equipped with the time and tools you need to properly process these critical trays? Get ready to make loaner headaches a thing of the past - tune in to this can't-miss season finale today! Season 26 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 #LoanerInstrumentation

Hey #CleanFreaks, put your knowledge to the test! -- A few sprays of instrument lubricant can _________ the life of your surgical instruments. On this week's episode of Beyond Clean Season 25, we're sitting down with Yerson Pedraza, Sterile Processing Advisor with NOVA Sterile Innovation Group, to talk about the critical step in our reprocessing workflows that helps keep our surgical instruments running smoothly--instrument lubrication. From enhancing an instrument's performance to preventing wear and tear, Yerson shares how this simple step can be a game-changer for your surgical instruments' longevity. He'll also dive into lubrication best practices, tips for navigating IFUs, and helpful hints for proper documentation. Tune in today and discover how this small step can have a huge impact on your SPD's success – because in Sterile Processing, it's the little things that make a big difference! Season 25 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 beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.  #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #WeFightDirty

"Können Unternehmen warten, bevor sie Veränderungen anstreben?" In dieser Episode diskutieren unsere Experten Georg Kraus und Prof. Dr. Henning Werner über die Rolle des Chief Transformation Officers (CTO) als Schlüsselfigur für erfolgreiche Veränderungsprozesse. Der CTO ist nicht nur ein Impulsgeber, sondern ein wahrer Game Changer in der Welt der Unternehmensumwandlungen. Georg Kraus und kennt die Herausforderungen und Stolpersteine in Transformationsprozessen genau. „Wir werden alle sensibler und das steht uns gut – aber was ist, wenn wir es übertreiben? Es geht um das aufeinander Einstellen und die Frage, was es bei meinem Gegenüber anrichtet“. In manchen Bereichen ist die Wertschöpfung einer Organisation direkt erkennbar, in anderen wiederum nicht. Dennoch sind diese Abteilungen nicht weniger wertvoll. „Jede Organisation muss sich kontinuierlich anpassen, doch die Leistung und Performance dürfen dabei nicht außer Acht gelassen werden.“ Für Prof. Dr. Henning Werner von der SRH Hochschule Heidelberg, wo er sich auf Transformation, Restrukturierung und Sanierung spezialisiert hat, ist klar: eine erfolgreiche Transformationen erfordert eine klare Vision, eine kulturelle Neuorientierung und eine starke Führung, um langfristigen Erfolg zu ermöglichen und auf Augenhöhe zu begegnen. Am Ende wird deutlich, dass es in herausfordernden Zeiten einen Vorschuss an Wertschätzung und Anerkennung geben sollte, um die Wertschöpfung der Organisation zu gewährleisten. Und ist nun der CTO oder Chief Transformation Officer derjenige, der tiefgreifende Veränderungen in Organisationen erfolgreich gesteuert?

Buckle up, #CleanFreaks, because we're wrapping up this season of "The Papers that Make Us Awesome" with the one document that can make or break your day in Sterile Processing: Instructions for Use (IFUs)! In this action-packed season finale, we're diving deep into the world of IFUs with the one and only Ralph Basile, Standards Corporate Executive at Healthmark Industries Inc, a Getinge Company. From the technical side of crafting these essential documents to the manufacturer's perspective and the everyday challenges faced by frontline technicians, Ralph is pulling back the curtain on what it takes to create IFUs that don't just check the regulatory boxes, but actually work in the real world. Whether you're an SPD leader on a mission to elevate your team's IFU game, a manufacturer striving to develop instructions that make sense, or a technician just trying to keep your instruments in tip-top shape, this episode is loaded with insights and strategies for every role in the Sterile Processing universe! Don't miss out -- tune in today! Season 24 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 beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.  #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #WeFightDirty

In this CE-approved Beyond Clean Articles On-The-Go episode, Hank Balch identifies the importance of creating master inventory lists to ensure compliance and proper processing in SPD- "Simply put, our Sterile Processing teams cannot even begin to process or maintain our equipment or instruments properly unless we know what they are, how many we own, and how they are to be cared for and handled according to the manufacturer. Instead of solely focusing on the importance of IFUs, our departments have to first give proper attention to creating…” Check out this article, take the CE quiz & download your certificate here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/master-inventory-lists Stay tuned for new CE-approved Articles On-the-Go releasing each week! Bookmark our new AOTG CE page here: https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/articles-on-the-go #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

In this CE-approved Beyond Clean Articles On-The-Go episode, Hank Balch emphasizes the importance of understanding and following a manufacturer's instructions for use (IFUs) in your SPD, while also proposing solutions to improve compliance and ensure patient safety -- "How can you be sure, with any level of certainty, that you are cleaning, inspecting, and sterilizing your inventory correctly if there are still large swaths of instruments or equipment, the instructions for which no one in recent memory has reviewed? The answer is that you can't be sure. And that's the..." To read this article, take the CE quiz & download your certificate, click here. Stay tuned for new CE-approved Articles On-The-Go releasing each week! Bookmark our new AOTG CE page here: https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/articles-on-the-go #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has found the best evidence yet for emission from a neutron star at the site of a recently observed supernova. The supernova, known as SN 1987A, was a core-collapse supernova, meaning the compacted remains at its core formed either a neutron star or a black hole. Evidence for such a compact object has long been sought, and while indirect evidence for the presence of a neutron star has previously been found, this is the first time that the effects of high-energy emission from the probable young neutron star have been detected.Supernovae – the explosive final death throes of some massive stars – blast out within hours, and the brightness of the explosion peaks within a few months. The remains of the exploding star will continue to evolve at a rapid rate over the following decades, offering a rare opportunity for astronomers to study a key astronomical process in real time.Supernova 1987AThe supernova SN 1987A occurred 160,000 light-years from Earth in the Large Magellanic Cloud. It was first observed on Earth in February 1987, and its brightness peaked in May of that year. It was the first supernova that could be seen with the naked eye since Kepler's Supernova was observed in 1604.About two hours prior to the first visible-light observation of SN 1987A, three observatories around the world detected a burst of neutrinos lasting only a few seconds. The two different types of observations were linked to the same supernova event, and provided important evidence to inform the theory of how core-collapse supernovae take place. This theory included the expectation that this type of supernova would form a neutron star or a black hole. Astronomers have searched for evidence for one or the other of these compact objects at the center of the expanding remnant material ever since.Indirect evidence for the presence of a neutron star at the center of the remnant has been found in the past few years, and observations of much older supernova remnants –such as the Crab Nebula – confirm that neutron stars are found in many supernova remnants. However, no direct evidence of a neutron star in the aftermath of SN 1987A (or any other such recent supernova explosion) had been observed, until now.The James Webb Space Telescope has observed the best evidence yet for emission from a neutron star at the site of a well-known and recently-observed supernova known as SN 1987A. At left is a NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) image released in 2023. The image at top right shows light from singly ionized argon (Argon II) captured by the Medium Resolution Spectrograph (MRS) mode of MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument). The image at bottom right shows light from multiply ionized argon captured by the NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph). Both instruments show a strong signal from the center of the supernova remnant. This indicated to the science team that there is a source of high-energy radiation there, most likely a neutron star.NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, C. Fransson (Stockholm University), M. Matsuura (Cardiff University), M. J. Barlow (University College London), P. J. Kavanagh (Maynooth University), J. Larsson (KTH Royal Institute of Technology)Claes Fransson of Stockholm University, and the lead author on this study, explained: “From theoretical models of SN 1987A, the 10-second burst of neutrinos observed just before the supernova implied that a neutron star or black hole was formed in the explosion. But we have not observed any compelling signature of such a newborn object from any supernova explosion. With this observatory, we have now found direct evidence for emission triggered by the newborn compact object, most likely a neutron star.”Webb's Observations of SN 1987AWebb began science observations in July 2022, and the Webb observations behind this work were taken on July 16, making the SN 1987A remnant one of the first objects observed by Webb. The team used the Medium Resolution Spectrograph (MRS) mode of Webb's MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument), which members of the same team helped to develop. The MRS is a type of instrument known as an Integral Field Unit (IFU).IFUs are able to image an object and take a spectrum of it at the same time. An IFU forms a spectrum at each pixel, allowing observers to see spectroscopic differences across the object. Analysis of the Doppler shift of each spectrum also permits the evaluation of the velocity at each position.Spectral analysis of the results showed a strong signal due to ionized argon from the center of the ejected material that surrounds the original site of SN 1987A. Subsequent observations using Webb's NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) IFU at shorter wavelengths found even more heavily ionized chemical elements, particularly five times ionized argon (meaning argon atoms that have lost five of their 18 electrons). Such ions require highly energetic photons to form, and those photons have to come from somewhere.“To create these ions that we observed in the ejecta, it was clear that there had to be a source of high-energy radiation in the center of the SN 1987A remnant,” Fransson said. “In the paper we discuss different possibilities, finding that only a few scenarios are likely, and all of these involve a newly born neutron star.”More observations are planned this year, with Webb and ground-based telescopes. The research team hopes ongoing study will provide more clarity about exactly what is happening in the heart of the SN 1987A remnant. These observations will hopefully stimulate the development of more detailed models, ultimately enabling astronomers to better understand not just SN 1987A, but all core-collapse supernovae.These findings were published in the journal Science.The James Webb Space Telescope is the world's premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency.

In this CE-approved episode of Articles On-The-Go, Hank Balch explains how thoughtful signage and labeling can significantly improve workflows, efficiency, and standardization in SPDs: “While new employee orientation may only last 90 days, learning should last a lifetime, especially when it comes to the technical aspects of the sterile processing profession. Signage focusing on technical reminders could include anything from displaying specific IFUs for complex devices at the point of processing, such as wall sheets for robotic arms and flexible endoscopes, all the way to…” To read this article, take the CE quiz & download your certificate, click here. Stay tuned for new CE-approved Articles On-the-Go releasing each week! Bookmark our new AOTG CE page here: https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/articles-on-the-go #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Impact Fusion International, Inc. (IFUS)(“the Company”), a company in the business of marketing products in the "Health and Wellness" sector of all international markets. CEO of the Company, Marc Walther, joined Stock Day host Matthew Dunehoo. 

In this CE-approved episode of Articles On-The-Go, Hank Balch discusses why IFUs, not sales reps, should be trusted when it comes to instrument reprocessing: -- “…it is imperative that we build a culture and expectation among our team that we welcome rep-based education, but always take everything we hear with a big grain of salt. In other words, listen for insights, but verify everything with a more reliable external source (more on that in a moment).” To listen to the full episode click here. To read this article, take the CE quiz & download your certificate, click here. Stay tuned for new CE-approved Articles On-the-Go releasing each week! Bookmark our new AOTG CE page here: https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/articles-on-the-go #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Impact Fusion International Inc. (IFUS)(“the Company”), a company with a mission to invent, develop and market these proprietary products worldwide for the health and well-being of humans and animals. CEO of the Company, Marc Walther, joined Stock Day host Kevin Davis. 

In episode 82, host and clinical educator Jon Wood speaks with America's MedSource Inc.'s President and Owner, James Schneiter, about the benefits of instrument design and redesign for the benefit of patient care. He also addresses confusing and conflicting instructions for use (IFU) and the frustration that arises when there is a lack of validation testing for IFU. Earn CE Now

How do you ensure your endoscopes are procedure and audit-ready, going beyond the simple tracking of endoscopes across your facility? What if you had a guide to help your team walk through the complete endoscope reprocessing loop? On this Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight™ series, we sit down with Amanda Prussing, SPM® Product Manager at STERIS, to discuss the SPM® Endo Workflow Solution, which supports all scope management processes, whether based on terminal sterilization or high-level disinfection. We dive into the value of guided workflows created in this solution which marry the IFUs and reprocessing requirements of your scope inventory with the reprocessing capabilities of your department. Tune in to hear how SPM® Endo helps you produce safe, effective, quality confirming outcomes for your scope processing procedures. Follow STERIS Healthcare Products on LinkedIn, Visit STERIS University to Earn FREE CEs, and learn more about the SPM® Endo Workflow Solution by visiting https://www.steris.com/healthcare/products/spm-endoscope-tracking-software #VendorSpotlight #STERIS #SterileProcessing #Endoscope #SPM #Disinfection #HLD #Workflow #Endoscopy #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SPD #CS #MDR #SPS

Small caps are on fire to start the new trading week. COSM and DBGI continue to squeeze the shorts. Monday's pre-market NASDAQ penny stock alert opened at the low and the day and closed up double-digits. Will be updating subscribers when we see something new. To sign up for real-time alerts along with our FREE reports and eBook, go to: https://signup.insiderfinancial.com/ This video covers SPY, QQQ, COSM, AMC, COMS, DBGI, HLBZ, GDVM, MKGP, IFUS, GTII, and CRTD. To sign up for FREE stocks and trade from 4am to 8pm on WeBull, go to: https://a.webull.com/i/insiderfinancial Disclosure: Insider Financial has not been compensated for this video. We were compensated twenty-seven thousand five hundred USD by a third party, TD Media LLC, on 09/16/2021 for a one-day COSM awareness campaign. Insider Financial is not an investment advisor; this video does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research, make your own investment decisions, or consult with your nearest financial advisor. This video is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. This video is our opinion, is meant for informational and educational purposes only, and does not provide investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. For more information, please read our full disclaimer: https://insiderfinancial.com/disclaimer/ spy etf, qqq etf, cosm stock, amc stock, coms stock, dbgi stock, hlbz stock, gdvm stock, mkgp stock, ifus stock, gtii stock, crtd stock, otc stocks, otc stocks list, penny stocks, penny stocks list, NASDAQ penny stocks, NYSE stocks, NYSE penny stocks #pennystocks #pennystockstobuynow #pennystocks2022

Insider Financial covers our penny stock watchlist for the Thanksgiving holiday trading week. We also have a NASDAQ penny stock alert for subscribers before the opening bell on Monday. To sign up for real-time alerts along with our FREE reports and eBook, go to: https://signup.insiderfinancial.com/ This video covers SPY, QQQ, NWBO, MMAT, MMTLP, CRTD, XCPL, GDVM, WLAN, IFUS, IQST, AMBS, CGRA, MULN, NINE, COSM, EEGI, BTDG, NWTT, GRLT, SFLM, NOUV, LFAP, and WTII. To sign up for FREE stocks and trade from 4am to 8pm on WeBull, go to: https://a.webull.com/i/insiderfinancial Disclosure: Insider Financial is not an investment advisor; this video does not provide investment advice. Always do your own research, make your own investment decisions, or consult with your nearest financial advisor. This video is not a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. This video is our opinion, is meant for informational and educational purposes only, and does not provide investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. For more information, please read our full disclaimer: https://insiderfinancial.com/disclaimer/ spy etf, qqq etf, nwbo stock, mmat stock, mmtlp stock, crtd stock, xcpl stock, gdvm stock, wlan stock, ifus stock, iqst stock, ambs stock, cgra stock, muln stock, nine stock, cosm stock, eegi stock, btdg stock, nwtt stock, grlt stock, sflm stock, nouv stock, lfap stock, wtii stock, otc stocks, otc stocks list, penny stocks, penny stocks list, NASDAQ penny stocks, NYSE stocks, NYSE penny stocks #trading #stockmarketnews #pennystocks

Sam Harrison, Senior Clinical Educator at Censis Technologies, provided Tyler Kern with an education in endoscopy when he guided him through the lifecycle of a scope and how Censis technologies' ScopeTrac and CensiTrac play a vital role in the process.Scopes first go through a deamination process before they enter the OR. CensiTrac then captures the cleaning and reprocessing procedures.“When the tech checks that scope into the scope processing module, the instructions for use are displayed,” Harrison said. “Those instructions for use can be customized per the scope model, the manufacturer's IFUs can be uploaded, or video can be uploaded to make it as easy as possible for the end-user.”After the scope receives reprocessing, it goes to a cleaning room for disinfecting. This process requires tracking, which CensiTrac streamlines. Once disinfected and logged, a scope will go to a clean storage area, and CensiTrac will provide information on those scope's storage location.Once a scope enters the procedure room, CensiTrac's case-tracking module can associate that scope to a patient through a case ID#. “In each area, CensiTrac is used to track and document every required process,” Harrison said.ScopeTrac is another critical piece of the digital scope record process that makes it easy to comply with regulations.“Having those processing steps there to help abide by the regulatory requirements is huge,” Harrison said. And, with the added functionality of video and image uploads, techs have additional tools and resources at their disposal to correctly identify and log in scopes.While ScopeTrac with CensiTrac addresses all these needs, Harrison mentioned that there is now ScopeTrac Advanced, which provides additional solutions, such as OR scheduler interface capabilities.Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

En este episodio te ponemos al día sobre el micro-impacto sufrido por el telescopio espacial James Webb y sobre los destellos rápidos en radio (2:50). Nuestra invitada de este episodio es la Dra. Jackeline Rachy García, experta en nebulosas planetarias e investigadora postdoctoral (24:40). Nos habla sobre nebulosas planetarias, divulgación, IFUs, y sus más recientes artículos. Tras los fotones es un proyecto de comunicación de la ciencia de Gloria Delgado Inglada (@glodeling) y Diego López Cámara Ramírez (@drpiki1), en colaboración con @AntifazPolitica. Entre todos producen, editan y difunden este proyecto. ¡Síguenos en nuestras redes sociales para estar al tanto!

On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Vendor IFUs: Communication and Trust (But Verify)." To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and Linkedin, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: https://educate.beyondclean.net/cleanfreaks or text BEYONDCLEAN to 22828 Do you know a #SterileProcessing expert who you'd love to hear from on our series? Or do you have a question for one of our current experts? Contact us at any time via email at: info@beyondclean.net Until next time, keep fighting dirty! #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #ExpertSeries #Podcast

Adam Okada, Seth Hendee, and Kevin Anderson all discuss the need for training and documented competency for IFUs. Many departments now have access to IFU database software. However, it is common for users to struggle to find the IFU and/or the information they need within the IFU. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

Adam Okada, Seth Hendee, and Kevin Anderson all discuss the need for training and documented competency for IFUs. Many departments now have access to IFU database software. However, it is common for users to struggle to find the IFU and/or the information they need within the IFU.

Åbent samråd i Udenrigsudvalget om IFUs investering i internetfirma i Myanmar 1) Åbent samråd i Udenrigsudvalget om IFUs investering i internetfirma i MyanmarÅbent samråd med ministeren for udviklingssamarbejde om IFUs investering i internetfirma i Myanmar.

Instructions for use (IFUs) can range from too simple to too cumbersome. But they can also be your key to higher quality in sterile processing. Check out this episode featuring CPD Guy, Stephen Kovach and his thoughts on IFUs. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

Instructions for use (IFUs) can range from too simple to too cumbersome. But they can also be your key to higher quality in sterile processing. Check out this episode featuring CPD Guy, Stephen Kovach and his thoughts on IFUs.

In this episode of Articles On-The-Go, Hank Balch examines the menagerie of items being sterilized in surgical instrument trays and the reasons they should be left out. "Because they have no validation and no IFUs, they have no place in our sterilizers or on our sterile storage shelves, and definitely no place touching our patients." Tune in to hear what surprising items show up on the list! #sterileprocessing #wefightdirty #safetyfirst #sterilization

I work with dental offices and do a lot of dental inspections/consults. I help people identify what they need to do differently. We talk through OSHA, HIPAA, infection control, radiology, medications, state board compliance, etc. But I get really excited about infection control and sterilization. That's my stage—my moment to shine. In this episode of Talking with the Toothcop, we're going to talk about instrument processing and cleaning procedures. Find out what you could be doing wrong and what to do instead! Outline of This Episode [0:49] Time to redo the 75 Hard Challenge! [6:00] Check out ProEdge Dental at https://proedgedental.com/toothcop!  [7:16] What a sterilization room should look like [10:46] Don't neglect monitoring your ultrasonic [14:37] Follow manufacturers instructions for use [16:45] Other things to note when using your ultrasonic [20:20] Learn more about protectIt dental at https://dentalcompliance.com/drugkit  [21:46] Check out the 2021 Dental Compliance Bootcamp!  What a sterilization room should look like I've seen thousands of sterilizations rooms. Some are great, some are poorly designed, and some just don't shock me anymore. What should it look like? It needs to be physically segregated into different areas for instrument receiving and cleaning, decontamination, preparation and packaging, sterilization, and storage. There needs to be a “cleaned” area and a dirty area. I can't tell you how often I see cross-contamination issues. When you bring the instruments into sterilization, the rest of the processes need to move in one direction. If you move in the opposite direction, you're contaminating what's supposed to be sterile.  Don't neglect monitoring your ultrasonic A sterilization area contains two major processes: instrument cleaning and sterilization. If you don't do one part right, it impacts the entire process. There are monitors in place for the sterilizer, color-changing indicators on instrument peel-pouches, and indicator tape on instrument cassettes. They give us visual confirmation of whether or not the sterilization process worked.  People often monitor the sterilization indicators but neglect the cleaning side of the process. You can't just assume the instrument washer or ultrasonic is working effectively. Just because it sounds like it's working properly doesn't mean it is. You need a qualitative test—like a foil test—to make sure that it's working properly. It needs to be done frequently. When those machines fail, they don't sound any different. It is not obvious. I don't love the foil test. What do I prefer instead? An ultrasonic cleaning monitor. It can be ordered through your dental suppliers. Get and use that weekly. Record in your records that it passes inspection. It gives you information on several data points: cavitation, enzyme concentration, and more.  Follow manufacturers instructions for use (IFU) Are you using the correct concentration of enzymes in the ultrasonic? More than half of dental offices aren't. Whatever product that you use for ultrasonic enzymes, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. People frequently use the wrong concentration, which is why I'm partial to tablets. It's easier to calculate.  Secondly, people don't understand the water capacity of the ultrasonic. The box says “one tablet per gallon” so they drop one tablet in, not realizing they have a three-gallon unit. One tablet won't cut it—you're off by a lot. I was in an office last week that had a three-gallon ultrasonic and they were putting in one tablet. According to the IFU, they were supposed to be using two tablets per gallon. They should have been using six tablets total!  What's an easy way to track this? Buy a label maker and print the name of the product and the number of tablets/ounces required each time you fill an ultrasonic.  Other things to note when using your ultrasonic What else do you need to focus on? Run the ultrasonic with the cover on. When the cover is not in place, you're spewing aerosols of biohazards into the air. If you don't have a cover, get a replacement. Anything that has moveable parts or hinges must be in the open position before it goes in the ultrasonic. If you're not doing this, bioburden accumulates in the jaw or hinge. Those parts must be exposed to be adequately cleaned and sterilized.  Cleaning time is important and it varies per dental instrument. Review the IFUs for each individual piece you have as well as peel-pouches and instrument cassettes.  If you run the instruments and find when you're rinsing them that they're still dirty, what do you do? Run the cycle again. Fight the urge to manually scrub instruments. You will never do as good of a job as the instrument washer/ultrasonic.  Tune in next week for part II—the sterilization process! Resources & People Mentioned Check out the 75 Hard Program Ultrasonic Cleaning Monitor Check out the 2021 Dental Compliance Bootcamp!  Check out ProEdge Dental at https://proedgedental.com/toothcop!  Learn more about protectIt dental at https://dentalcompliance.com/drugkit or call them at 888-878-8916 and tell them that the Toothcop sent you! Connect With Duane https://www.dentalcompliance.com/ toothcop(at)dentalcompliance.com On Facebook On Twitter On LinkedIn On Youtube

Sam Harrison, Senior Clinical Educator at Censis Technologies, provided Tyler Kern with an education in endoscopy when he guided him through the lifecycle of a scope and how Censis technologies' ScopeTrac and CensiTrac play a vital role in the process.Scopes first go through a deamination process before they enter the OR. CensiTrac then captures the cleaning and reprocessing procedures.“When the tech checks that scope into the scope processing module, the instructions for use are displayed,” Harrison said. “Those instructions for use can be customized per the scope model, the manufacturer's IFUs can be uploaded, or video can be uploaded to make it as easy as possible for the end-user.”After the scope receives reprocessing, it goes to a cleaning room for disinfecting. This process requires tracking, which CensiTrac streamlines. Once disinfected and logged, a scope will go to a clean storage area, and CensiTrac will provide information on those scope's storage location.Once a scope enters the procedure room, CensiTrac's case-tracking module can associate that scope to a patient through a case ID#. “In each area, CensiTrac is used to track and document every required process,” Harrison said.ScopeTrac is another critical piece of the digital scope record process that makes it easy to comply with regulations.“Having those processing steps there to help abide by the regulatory requirements is huge,” Harrison said. And, with the added functionality of video and image uploads, techs have additional tools and resources at their disposal to correctly identify and log in scopes.While ScopeTrac with CensiTrac addresses all these needs, Harrison mentioned that there is now ScopeTrac Advanced, which provides additional solutions, such as OR scheduler interface capabilities.Interested in learning more about Censis Technologies' surgical asset management platform? Visit Censis.com.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there was a renewed societal effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by washing our hands, wearing masks, and disinfecting everything in sight. Healthcare workers have been employing these methods - and many more - from as far back as the mid-19th century to ensure patient safety. Entire hospital departments - sterile processing and housekeeping to name just two - are built for cleaning, decontaminating, processing, sterilizing, assembling, testing, packaging and managing medical instruments and equipment.  It’s a role we all play to some extent or another as Nemours associates, even if it’s as simple as washing your hands. Yet there is always more to be done, continuous improvement to be had, even in cleaning and maintaining medical equipment.  And that’s where this story really begins -with a project centering on finding, cataloging and providing for use by Nemours associates the manufacturers Instructions for Use - the IFUs - for every piece of equipment used in the Delaware Valley. The project began in 2018 - the idea of one person - in anticipation of survey visits from the healthcare quality and safety  group known as the Joint Commission.  Carol Vassar, producer

Climb into your gothic skirts and dive into the Bunker with Nirav, Matt and Justyn as they discuss the history, development and legacy of Nier Replicant and NieR: Automata! Rhi will be back next week. Talking points include humanitarian juggalos, warm Irish sushi and Kingdom Hearts for babies. Apologies for the audio quality, but Matt and Justyn were actually the voices of the Pods in NieR: Automata, so it’s in keeping with the theme. Spoilers are labeled in the time stamps. It’s Game Busters: NieRav Edition! Every week, Nirav, Rhi and a panel of self-proclaimed experts explore the history and legacy of a specific game and share some laughs. Find us @Gamebusterspod on Twitter! Find Nirav on Twitter @gandheezy and Rhi on Twitter @rhi_bevan. Find us on your favorite podcatcher: https://anchor.fm/gamebusters 0:00 Dungeon Busters - Joker and Legolas 12:25 Bust ‘Ems - Nier & NieR: Automata 01:11:00 Spoilers Start (End at 01:20:37) 01:20:37 Good Games Inc Jr - NieR: Juggalo Tetris

As healthcare professionals, we are no strangers to the complexity of flexible endoscope reprocessing. With different regulatory standards and IFUs to follow, it is hard to believe there is no clear direction to the process of drying internal endoscope channels--that is--until now. On this Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight, we talk with George Cronin, National Sales Manager at TRICOR Systems Inc., about the innovative approach his company is taking to automate the endoscope drying process. TRICOR Systems Dri-Scope Aid® products eliminate the growth of bioburden by automating a steady flow of air that can leave the channel dry in just ten minutes. Tune in now to discover how TRICOR is standardizing the endoscope drying process to ensure a safe and repeatable process.  If you are interested in learning more about the Dri-Scope Aid® family of products you can visit www.driscope.com or email george@driscope.com for a virtual consultation to discover what products will work best in your department. Follow Dri-Scope Aid® on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusive news and product updates.   #VendorSpotlight #BeyondClean #Endoscopes #Endoscopy #SterileProcessing #Standardization #Drying #WeFightDirty

Water is the lifeline of your dental practice. If your dental unit waterlines are covered in biofilm, you’re in trouble. How do you test your water lines properly? How do you treat your systems? What do you do if you don’t have a closed system? With the heightened awareness of spreading germs due to the Coronavirus crisis, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of prevention in your practice. In this episode of Talking with the Toothcop, Dwight and I chat with Mike Rust and Kellie Thimmes from ProEdge Dental about what dentists can—and should be doing—to prevent infections.  Outline of This Episode [0:21] Mike Rust + Kellie Thimmes on the Toothcop [1:19] What people don’t know about Kellie + Mike [4:27] How to test your water lines properly [11:40] The CDC will revise dental infection control guidelines [20:40] Indicators that a dental office does or doesn’t care [28:28] Where does the problem originate? [31:58] Pro Edge’s new Flow-Cytometry technology [38:15] The Anaheim case that changed everything [42:01] What could happen when the CDC reviews their guidelines? [43:33] What do you do about open systems [55:17] UV disinfection technology [58:25] How to connect with Mike + Kellie Why biofilms originate in water lines Biofilms usually form in waterlines because they’re small, plastic, and the water sits stagnant. The bacteria sits there and thrives. It can also be found in anything with a filtration system—which can remove solids (like minerals and chlorine) but not small bacteria. So everything just sits there in their little pod and it’s the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. That’s why it’s so important to purge anything connected to your waterline unit. The extra flow of water in between patients helps move the germicide through the system and helps keep it clean—and prevents biofilms.  The Texas dental board recently relaxed its Cavitron regulations to allow dentists to start using them again. Most dentists haven’t been using them since mid-march of 2020. Why? Kellie points out that firstly, they create aerosols. Secondly, water lines tend to hold a lot of bacteria. Dentists don’t want to worry about COVID and other bacteria. It’s also because Cavitrons are harder to shock. The failure rate is over 50% and they have higher counts of CFU’s than any other water line. How to properly test your dental unit waterlines  You have to collect the water for the test from the right place. 9/10 times dentists that say they’re testing pull a sample from an air-water syringe. But dentists should be testing from the dirtiest thing(s) in the dental practice: a water sample from the Cavitron or Ultrasonic. If you’re passing your water test with samples from those you know you’re doing well.  Kellie recommends taking a collective sample from each room in your dental practice If there’s a failure, then you shock everything. Both Kellie and Mike advise using an aseptic technique when you’re taking a sample. Take the handpiece off and use a new air water syringe tip. It’s not as messy and easier to collect the sample. Test your water as if you were doing it for a new patient.  Are the current infection control guidelines enough? It was recently announced that the CDC will be revising dental infection control guidelines—which has been overdue for a while. It makes you question: Are the current guidelines as effective as we think they are? The CDC recommends periodic testing but doesn’t define the timeline. They say to defer to the manufacturer's instructions. You have to monitor your water regularly—at least quarterly if not monthly. Kellie and Mike agree that you must use an EPA approved shock product.  If you’re not aware, the EPA regulates drinking water standards and anything that could impact groundwater. The FDA regulates medical devices (they review and approve). Everything you use in the dental office is a medical device. For you to use it, the manufacturer had to get approval from the FDA. Whenever you deviate or use a device other than its intended use, it’s considered off-label use.  There are a lot of treatments for removing biofilm, so you have to find what works for your practice. Follow the IFUs for the products you’ve chosen and ask for help if you need it. Kellie states “I wish there was a magic bullet, but there’s just not. It’s called waterline maintenance for a reason—because it takes work.” If you’re committed to monitoring, you’ll get better results.  What are indicators that a dental office is doing what they’re supposed to for infection prevention? Listen to hear their take! Sometimes you have to humanize the problem The case that happened in Anaheim, CA impacted 71 families. 70 of the kids had major surgeries and some lost parts of their jaw from preventable infections. All because ONE dentist office didn’t properly test or treat their water lines.  Some dentists don’t want to test because if they find out there’s a problem then they have to do something about it. But it is your responsibility to know. You have to humanize the problem. It’s not about devices—it’s about those child’s faces.  No dentist goes to work and says “I want to hurt someone today.” But do they go to work today and say “I want to make sure that we don’t hurt anybody, ever.” It’s a huge difference. That’s why it’s so important that the CDC reviews its guidelines.  What to do if you have an open water system Many older dental offices still use city water and can’t introduce a germicide or antimicrobial into the system. You can treat your water, but you can’t efficiently shock the water. What do they do? You should retrofit your open systems so you can shock the water. Add a closed bottle system for $200 a chair + labor. In 10 minutes you can shock them with bleach and sleep at night. You just have to take the time to do it. Recently, In Corpus Christi Texas, they had water-boil advisories. Municipal water was contaminated. If you don’t have a closed system, that effectively shuts down your practice. It’ll cost you way more than converting your dental unit to closed bottles. Plus, you have to keep tabs on your city's boiled water advisories. Keep listening to hear our conversation about tap water versus distilled water and what Kellie and Mike recommend using.  Pro Edge’s new Flow-Cytometry water testing technology Proedge has launched a Flo™ Dental Unit Waterline Testing Service Kit that allows you to get same or next-day test results. It takes one hour for them to process the results. They’re counting the bacterial cells in the water with laser technology and fluorescent dye. Why does it matter so much? Other tests can take days or even weeks to get results.  Some practices have to remain closed when their water lines are being tested—only to find out they failed. That means they have to shock their systems, restest, and wait all over again. No longer. The price of this test is only a couple percent more. It’s a premium service without the premium price. Check out the resources for a link to an amazing deal on this new product. I want people to do the testing, work with good people, and save money while doing it.  Resources & People Mentioned Special Dental Compliance ProEdge Offer Flo™ Dental Unit Waterline Testing Service Kit Dental Infection Control Washington state Mike Rust on LinkedIn Kellie Thimmes on LinkedIn ProEdge on Facebook Call ProEdge at 888-843-3343 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) U.S. Food and Drug Administration Boil-Water Advisory Dental Unit Waterline Contamination in Anaheim Connect With Duane https://www.dentalcompliance.com/ toothcop(at)dentalcompliance.com On Facebook On Twitter On LinkedIn On Youtube

There are three different instructions for use that need to be considered when preparing a medical device for sterilization: the sterilizer, the medical device itself, and the packaging system. The FDA requires that medical devices be tested in just one type of packaging system and on this week’s release of the Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight Series, we speak with Barbara Ann Harmer about the maze that is instructions for use to help people understand which IFUs to use under which circumstances. How do validation and user verification work together to help you make the right decision and focus on best practices that result in patient safety? If you've ever debated this issue in your department, you're not going to want to miss this Vendor Spotlight episode so tune in now!   Learn more by visiting www.onetray.com, e-mail them at info@onetray.com  and look for educational information and ask questions directly on LinkedIn and Facebook.   #VendorSpotlight #InstructionsForUse #MedicalDevice #PackagingSystem #Sterilization #Validation #Verification #ONETRAY #SterileProcessing #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SPD #CS #MDR #SPS #Surgery

Sterilization processes are always important in dental practices to protect your staff and your customers. During the Coronavirus pandemic, everyone is especially concerned about proper procedure. You have to follow Instructions for Use (IFUs) and properly sanitize and sterilize your instruments. In this episode of Talking with the Toothcop, Stephen Kovach—whom I am now referring to as the “Godfather of Infection Control”—joins Andrea and myself to chat about the importance of sterilization processes. Stephen Kovach is Educator Emeritus at Healthmark Industries and has been in the medical field since 1975—now celebrating his 45th year in Healthcare. He is a member of IAHCSMM orthopedic council for loaner instrumentation and a voting member on various AAMI committees. He’s published numerous articles varying in subject matter from perfusion to the importance of cleaning surgical instruments. Outline of This Episode [0:22] Stephen Kovach joins Andrea and I  [2:14] Stephen’s tremendous wealth of experience [4:05] Instrument sterilization and cleaning [10:13] The importance of IFUs [19:03] Stephen’s thoughts on hinged instruments [26:55] The legal precedent for following IFUs  [34:45] Get rid of rusty instruments [37:25] What to monitor with water quality [50:31] Why you need 2 full-sized sterilizers [52:20] Coronavirus and infection control The importance of proper sterilization and cleaning According to my research—which I will publish at some point here—9/10 offices aren’t doing a good enough job cleaning their instruments. When I recently heard Stephen speak, he pointed out that “When you sterilize dirty instruments the end result issterile dirt”. Every dental office NEEDS to have a quality management system in place—and most don’t.  Stephen points out that dentists need to be referencing the AAMI ST79—The “Comprehensive Guide to Steam Sterilization and Sterility Assurance in Health Care Facilities”. But most aren’t. Why? Stephen and I agree it’s because the high price ($400) is a barrier to entry. While their information is proprietary, it would be wise to have this information widely disseminated for the safety of our patients.  What you may not know about Instructions for Use (IFUs) I’ve talked about IFUs before and have emphasized the importance of acquiring and referencing them for proper instrument sterilization. They outline the exact cleaning and sterilization process step-by-step to ensure proper cleaning of the tools. What you may not know is that device manufacturers have tested this repeatedly, and to get their products to market the FDA HAS to approve the IFUs they’ve submitted. They don’t just slap instructions together willy-nilly. It is a well-researched process that you need to follow. I’ve been surprised how many dental professionals have no idea what I’m talking about when I ask them if they’re using their IFUs. Turns out, IFUs can be hard to obtain. I’ve even asked a device rep for an IFU and was told point-blank it was only provided to clients. Some can be found online—but not all are readily available.  Stephen and I agree you must seek out and obtain IFUs for any tool or instrument you use. Follow at the very least the minimum requirements for sterilization and go above and beyond when possible. Keep listening for our discussion on cleaning hinged instruments.  Document your procedures to protect your practice Stephen has been a part of many depositions where professionals are asked how they documented their process and how they followed their IFUs. If they stray from the directions on the IFUs they must state why they think their cleaning procedure was superior to that of the manufacturer.  If you stray from the proper sterilization procedures and a patient's illness or even death is traced back to you—you’re in serious trouble. You must be able to prove in a court of law that you followed the instructions properly and show documentation.  Some professionals claim they were told something different by the manufacturer—but have no concrete proof. Stephen recommends that if you contact the device manufacturer and they verbally tell you a process that contradicts the IFU—get it in writing. Ask them to outline the company letterhead and mail it to you for records. But if all else fails, following the IFU is the ultimate protection. Why following instructions are SO important during the Coronavirus Pandemic Stephen was quick to point out that he sees some of the best pre-infection control in dental offices. His personal dentist washes his hands in front of him, uses hand-sanitizer, puts on a mask and safety shield, and protective eyewear. Continue to practice these basic means of infection control—but do it correctly.  Stephen has noticed that most people don’t even know how to properly use Clorox wipes. The contact time of the solution on the surface is of the utmost importance. Most people quickly wipe down surfaces with a wipe and call it good. But if you read the instructions (which vary) it states that the surface must remain visibly wet for up to 4 minutes to properly sanitize. Read the instructions people! Contact time is also important for hand-washing. The longer you wash your hands (experts say you can sing the “Happy Birthday” song in your head) the more effective you are removing bacteria, viruses, etc.  Proper sterilization techniques are more important than ever during the pandemic—not because it was less important before—but because it brings you and your patients peace of mind in a time of chaos. Listen to the whole episode for our discussion on critical water, proper training, and how many sterilizers are necessary. Resources & People Mentioned Stephen Kovach on Instagram Stephen on LinkedIn CPD Guy Website Dryshield Onesource OSAP.org AAMI ST79 Healthmark Connect With Duane https://www.dentalcompliance.com/ toothcop(at)dentalcompliance.com On Facebook On Twitter On LinkedIn On Youtube

While it’s a phrase straight from the mouth of Paul Blart: Mall Cop, it holds true. Safety never takes a holiday, and the safety of your staff and patients should be first and foremost in your mind. Dental professionals need to be educated on proper procedures for cleaning and sterilizing the tools that they’re using every day so they’re not exposing people to pathogens.  Over the course of this next quarter, I’m dispatching to different dental offices that we work with to conduct a series of experiments. The goal is to find out if the most stringent infection control procedures that we utilize are doing enough. If they aren’t, then it’s time to make some changes to our checklists and procedures as well as in the dental industry as a whole.  Outline of This Episode [1:30] Infection prevention and control and my upcoming project [11:09] The importance of sterilizing your equipment [17:59] Learn how to read and follow IFUs [26:36] Addressing lack of formal infection control training [32:22] Learn how to properly use your ultrasonic [41:01] Make sure you’re receiving the proper vaccinations [42:48] Wear proper protective gear: gloves [46:56] The alarming biofilm being found in dental waterlines [1:02:49] How does infection control apply to ortho? Texas—and all states—should require infection prevention and control training  There is no infection control training in Texas and quite honestly, they’re behind the times. Admittedly, they aren’t as forward-thinking as other states. I believe that very few schools—and not just in Texas—are teaching current standards in their curriculum. It begs the question, are our dental assistants getting the proper training?  What about dentists? I’ve found that some schools of dentistry have their dental students go through a rotation where they learn how to process and sterilize their instruments. But most instrument processing is done by a paid staff and dentists are never educated on the proper procedure for cleaning their tools.  This has got to change. There is a gross lack of knowledge and a whole lot of misunderstanding in the industry. Many dentists and their assistants are learning techniques and procedures from sales reps who don’t know what they’re talking about. They’re often the only outside contact that dentists have which is a problem in and of itself. Very few dental offices properly use their ultrasonic   Dental staff often overlook one simple thing that will give them the answers to proper sterilization procedures—Instructions For Use (IFUs). It’s a user manual for your instruments that lays out the exact procedure to properly use, clean, and sterilize your tools. It’s pretty idiot-proof.  There’s an amazing product called SonoCheck—it’s a tablet that you drop into your ultrasonic to test if it’s working properly. You drop it in green and it should come out yellow. If there are major problems with your Ultrasonic cleaner, it won’t change colors at all. I’ve seen time and time again that offices just crank the dial on the ultrasonic to whatever time it lands on and expect it to clean their instruments. Most are only doing half the time required in their instruments IFUs. Dental offices NEED to start using them for the correct amount of time. They also should use critical water, the right amount of water at the right temperature, and enough of the right kinds of enzymes. The bottom line is if the instruments aren’t processed long enough and in the proper manner, they won’t be clean. You’ll be using dirty instruments on your patients.  The often overlooked tactic to protect your staff It’s simple and highly effective: wear the right kind of protective gloves. Most dentists, hygienists, assistants, etc. are required to get a Hepatitis B vaccine. Most do it before they finish school but some don’t finish the series. They don’t get tested to make sure they have the antibodies if they’re exposed. It’s currently the only required vaccination. But if you’re not wearing protective gloves and get stuck by an instrument used on a patient, you’re exposing yourself to other pathogens as well. It could be hepatitis B, Syphilis, Malaria—anything bloodborne. You must assume that everyone is sick and that every instrument is trying to kill you until proven otherwise. Gloves are inconvenient, sure. But you CAN learn how to process instruments with gloves. Train until you get comfortable with them, but for heaven’s sake wear the dang gloves! Treat your water lines regularly and monitor them for biofilm We’ve talked about this before, but biofilm is a buildup of bacteria (both good and bad) that can adhere to water lines. They’re terribly difficult to kill and the longer they go unnoticed the more difficult it becomes. I believe states will start mandating water line testing. My advice? Don’t wait until it’s mandated.  In 2016, a dental unit water line in Anaheim, CA was contaminated with a mycobacterium. It was discovered when dozens of children showed up complaining of facial swelling and pain. Their faces and jawbones were infected with this bacteria. One child had the bacteria progress so severely that she had to have part of her jaw bone removed—all because of an untested waterline in a dental office. The hassle it may cost you is not worth the PR nightmare. It’s not worth losing your license, your practice, and perhaps your freedom. Test your water lines, treat them with shock treatments, and replace them if necessary. You must know how to monitor and maintain control of your water quality.  Jacque and I discuss in-depth testing and cleaning of water lines, proper use of ultrasonic equipment, how these strategies apply to ortho, and much more. Be sure to listen to the whole episode to learn how to better protect your practice! Resources & People Mentioned  OSAP OSHA AAMI ST79:2017 Sonocheck Brandmax Triple Enzyme Cleaner ProEdge Dental Water Labs Aquasept Connect With Duane https://www.dentalcompliance.com/ toothcop(at)dentalcompliance.com On Facebook On Twitter On LinkedIn On Youtube

You wake up this morning, grab your cup of coffee and head into work. You get there to greet a new department- one that you have very little familiarity with- the Sterile Processing Department. You have a couple of days to observe the state of affairs and then congratulations the department is yours to manage! What would your strategy be? How would you tackle complicated issues like lack of standardization of IFUs and low employee engagement scores? On this week's episode of Beyond Clean, we talk to OR leader-turned-Sterile Processing leader, Aimee Kellogg, about her experience taking on the responsibility of a whole new department and the challenges and successes associated with everything from employee engagement and accountability to cost reduction. Aimee shares the tools she implemented to not only create success in the department but also measure that success. If you have or are a new Sterile Processing leader you're certainly going to want to tune in now! Complete The Exam For CE Credit!   #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #NewLeadership #Strategy #Success #EmployeeEngagement #CostSavings #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season7 #Leadership #MDR #CSSD #SPD #Surgery

How to Utilize Instructions for Use in Infection ControlInstructions for Use (IFUs) should be included with any and every medical device that you use in your practice. Learning how to properly use and follow IFUs will aid in proper infection control. As we are rolling into 2020, improvement in infection control in dentistry is at the forefront of my mind. So in this episode of Talking with the Toothcop we’re going to cover how to properly clean and disinfect medical devices (and how to reference the IFUs). Check it out! Outline of This Episode [0:20] Welcome to 2020! [4:55] Infection control and room for improvement [6:30] Policy to practice book from OSAP takeaways [7:45] Properly use IFU’s (Instruction for Use) [13:30] You need written policies and procedures for infection control [17:45] Enzyme solution and critical water [22:55] Proper care of hinged instruments [24:45] Spot-testing in dental offices [26:30] Infection control testing coming in 2020! [31:00] Move in one direction and never backward Why Instructions for Use are SO important Instructions for Use teach you how to properly use any and all medical devices that you use in your practices. Everything is regulated by the FDA—each product HAS to provide an IFU to remain compliant. They’ll tell you how to use it, care for it, clean and sterilize it, and how to store it. They are comprehensive guidelines for the proper care of your devices to increase longevity and protect your patients.  The process of cleaning your medical devices I want to just walk through the general steps (and everything you need to consider) as you clean and sterilize your medical devices: Transporting the instrument(s): When you are transporting devices from the operatory to the sterilization room you must consult the IFU. For example, If it’s a sharps device, you must transport it in a closed container that cannot be permeated and label it as a biohazard.  Rinsing the instrument(s): Does your devices IFU specify that it needs to be rinsed in a certain type of water? Many now require that they are rinsed in critical water. The Ultrasonic bath: Are you sterilizing hand instruments? Drills? Cavitron tips? For each item, you have to consult their specific IFU to properly clean and sterilize them. Enzyme solution: What type of enzyme solution to you need? Protease, amylase, or lipase? All three? How many squirts or tablets per amount of water being used? Guess what—your IFU will tell you everything you need to know. You also need to de-gas your ultrasonic by running it for 10 minutes before putting your instruments in.  Second Rinse: You NEED to use critical water again! Most people are using tap water, and it’s probably not doing the job. Instruments are expensive. You want to properly care for them and the best way to do that is by following their instructions for use. Andrea and I talk about considerations for hinged instruments, so keep listening! Written policies and procedures Most offices don’t have written policies and procedures in place for infection control. Or, they’re so generic that they’re useless as a guideline. But you need one for your practice. I’ve found that the best infection control guidelines that you can find online come from dental schools. But you can’t just grab their manual and call it good. You need to take their baseline and edit it. Structure it for the proper verbiage for your practice. Make sure it addresses policies for stages of the instrument process, sterilization, transport, storage, to reuse or not reuse, surgical milk—the list goes on. This is its own training manual. You can’t tuck into an OSHA manual. You need to have systems in place to properly update it and make sure all staff are reviewing it consistently. Keep listening as Andrea and I chat about the specifics.  Infection Control in 2020: Where are we headed? Good enough isn’t good enough. I’ve spent hours researching infection control and am investing in some tests that I will use this year. I’ll be able to see in-the-moment if a dentist’s office is properly cleaning and sterilizing their instruments. My goal is to track my testing and make the data consistent, measurable, and reliable. We don’t want to see what we think are water spots or rust on instruments and find out that they are biological. We need to set a higher standard for ourselves and our patients. That begins with proper infection control. The CDC doesn’t spend time studying dentistry, so we need to make sure that our standards go above and beyond what is in place. Listen to the whole episode as Andrea and I chat about our plan for 2020.  Resources & People Mentioned Ole and Lena Jokes OSAP FDA format guidelines for IFUs Supercritical Water Oxidation Connect With Duane https://www.dentalcompliance.com/ toothcop(at)dentalcompliance.com On Facebook On Twitter On LinkedIn On Youtube

In this episode of Smart Business Solutions, Senior Sales Executive Mike Montgomery discusses the newest solutions available to clients through the GBS Print Technologies Division. Labels, Instructions for Use (IFUs) and printed marketing materials are just a few of the customized options available to help businesses effectively manage, store and retrieve their information on a daily basis.

Sterile Processing professionals are the last line of defense for surgical patients. This means we have to be willing and able to "stop the line" when something unsafe happens in our departments. On this episode of Fighting Dirty with Hank Balch, Hank talks about one of the most dangerous and yet common practices in many departments today: double stacking multilayer trays during the washing cycle. This not only violates express manufacturer IFUs for these instruments and will get you cited by CMS, TJC, DNV and state agencies -- it is also extremely dangerous for your patients. One bug. One little infectious microbe hiding under a knee sizer can literally kill one of your patients. Whatever productivity pressures you may be under, whatever volume may be stacking up in decontam, washing shortcuts are not worth it. If you have to chain yourself to the department door in order to get your CEO to come listen to why you won't take shortcuts -- do it. And call us, we'll join you in the sit in, and help explain why you can't sacrifice safety in the name of speed.  #FightingDirty #HankBalch #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

While manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs) are getting a lot of attention in Sterile Processing departments today, when it comes to chemical safety, you need to know exactly what your chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) says. Did you know there's often important information in the SDS for using chemicals that may not be listed in the product IFU? On this episode of Season 5, we got Peggy Spitzer, Clinical Education Manager at Certol International, to step up to the Beyond Clean microphone to discuss important contours of chemical safety in Sterile Processing that can keep your teams safe and compliant. Tune in this week to hear about how to find Safety Data Sheets, how to read them, how they are updated, and much more!  Complete The Exam For CE Credit! #PeggySpitzer #ChemicalSafety #SterileProcessing #SurgicalInstruments #Cleaning #Disinfection #Sterilization #SafetyDataSheets #SDS #Documentation #Regulatory #OSHA #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty #SPD #CSSD #MDR #Chemicals #Safety #Training #Sponsors #Endoplus #ReadySetSurgical  

This week on Real Talk with Bob Marrs:  Bob discusses why device manufacturers should lean over and give their IFUs a KISS, and how government can get involved to help Sterile Processing protect our patients. If we can't find the IFU or understand them, what good are they? #RealTalk #BobMarrs #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

This week on Real Talk with Bob Marrs:  Bob discusses the background to regulatory focus on IFUs in Sterile Processing, and the real challenges with following them as frontline Sterile Processing technicians. IFUs - Manufacturer Instructions for Use #3 - A Day that will Live in Infamy #4 - Challenges, and Issues #RealTalk #BobMarrs #BeyondClean #WeFightDirty™ Click To Subscribe on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify or Visit Our Website!

How has technology impacted our potential to know and follow device manufacturer instructions for use in Sterile Processing? How far have we come and what does the future hold for the technology vs. IFUs challenges within our industry? On this week’s edition of Beyond Clean, we speak with Andy Petrovich about how technology is being used to drive real world compliance in our departments. Don't miss this important conversation and make sure to take the 1 CE Quiz at our CE Credit Hub for chances to win free Sterile Processing resources! CE Credit -> https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub Join us next week when we will speak with Phil Sayles, Founder and President of Summate Technologies about the Digitalization of Surgical Implant Management. Click To Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or Spotify. #WeFightDirty #BeyondClean #IFU #AndyPetrovich #Podcast #Sponsors #Healthmark #ConsortiaSurgical #SurgeryStartsHere #SterileProcessing #Hospitals #MedicalDevice #Compliance #Giveaways #CEUs

The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners has released new regulations regarding nitrous oxide delivery. These regulations are going to change the way your practice handles routine business, and you need to be aware of them. On this episode of Talking With the Tooth Cop, I outline the new 3 main rules, what requirements have not changed, and why your office needs to take these changes seriously. Note that these rules apply to all levels of nitrous oxide delivery and sedation and they are applicable for patients of all ages. It’s a complicated subject with many details, so to get the full story listen to this podcast episode. These requirements have not changed, even after implementation of the new regulations Even with the new regulations, a few staples of dental care have not changed. You must employ qualified, trained staff who can identify problems and emergencies in your practice. Evaluating patients prior to sedation, utilizing consultations if necessary, and having written, expressed, and informed consent is still required when using nitrous oxide or any other method of sedation. Equipment checks must be completed thoroughly and regularly and proper patient records kept. You must also ensure all staff members are aware of who can and cannot be involved in delivering sedative drugs. To hear the full list of regulations that are still in place, be sure to listen. New rule #1 - Preoperative checklists must be completed This rule applies to sedating any patient via any method. The TSBDE now required offices to “create and maintain in the patient’s dental record” a checklist entitled “Preoperative Sedation Anesthesia Checklist.” Included in this checklist must be the following: Medical history review Confirmation of informed consent Confirmation of delivery of pre/post procedure instructions Physical examination Equipment readiness check confirmations Any special preoperative considerations Documentation for any/all reasons why portions of the checklist were not completed This checklist may physically or electronically stored and the same checklist should be used by the dentist and anesthesiologist. It may be completed at any time prior to delivery of nitrous, but it must be repeated prior to ALL instances of delivery. For all of the details regarding the new checklist, don’t miss this episode. New rule #2 - Offices must write emergency procedures and hold training sessions Every office now must have written policy procedures in place detailing how they are to handle emergency situations. Special attention must be given to respiratory crises and how the office will stock, monitor, and restock emergency kits. Staff must be trained regularly on these procedures to ensure everyone knows their responsibility during an emergency. It’s important to remember to not assign specific individuals emergency duties, but rather assign it to a position. Annual review sessions should be held as well to revise these procedures as necessary. New rule #3 - Permit holders must have the proper drugs on site and immediately available Every dental office must be diligent in the way they keep records on nitrous oxide delivery. Special attention should be given to medicine cabinets and storage units to ensure expired drugs are disposed of and restocked with fresh supplies on a regular basis. Emergency kits with reversal drugs, AEDs with fresh batteries, and other necessary equipment should also be carefully monitored. These new rules were established to ensure dental patients are receiving the best care possible. To ensure your practice is compliant, be sure to get the full story by listening to this episode of Talking With the Tooth Cop. Outline of This Episode [0:22] New nitrous oxide delivery rules are covered on this episode of Talking With the Tooth Cop. [2:33] Existing regulations on nitrous oxide delivery and office equipment [7:25] Equipment checks are necessary and IFUs should be present at all times [14:40] Preoperative documentation is required in these main areas [19:01] The dentist is the sole person responsible for these duties regarding nitrous delivery [21:57] Latest information on the AAPD guidelines for nitrous oxide delivery [28:35] Post-operative discharge record-keeping requirements [35:05] New rule #1 - Preoperative checklist must be completed [40:22] Why are these new rules so strict? [43:05] New rule #2 - All permit holders for nitrous oxide must create emergency preparedness procedure manuals and hold training sessions for all staff [48:14] New rule #3 - Permit holder must have the proper drugs on site and immediately available [50:53] These new rules are required for all levels of nitrous administration and sedation [54:01] What comes next after these rules? [56:00] Where to turn for resources about these new rules Resources & People Mentioned REPORT: “Blue Ribbon Panel on Dental Sedation/Anesthesia Safety of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners” Duane’s insider resource: “Medical Emergency Training for Dental Offices” Connect With Duane https://www.dentalcompliance.com/ toothcop(at)dentalcompliance.com On Facebook On Twitter On LinkedIn On Youtube