Beyond Clean Podcast

When a black speck shows up in a surgical tray, the first question is simple: "What is it?" But as many Sterile Processing teams discover, the answer is anything but straightforward. On this episode of "What the Speck?," global reprocessing expert Dr. Gerhard Kirmse from Aesculap joins us to explore the science of identifying this pesky, unidentified debris and to tackle the question at the center of the mystery: "What exactly is a black speck?" From microscopic analysis and lab testing to on-site investigations inside washers, sterilizers, and steam systems, Dr. Kirmse explains how experts piece together the clues to uncover the real source behind these particles. Tune in to discover how science, collaboration, and a little detective work come together to solve one of SPD's most frustrating mysteries. Over the next 6 weeks, this series dives into one of sterile processing's most frustrating challenges—black specks. From water and steam quality to department culture, risk assessments, and root cause analysis, we're digging into every angle to uncover real answers (and real solutions) for your SPD. A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series! #BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

Peel pouches hanging from clips, dust collecting in bins, trays stacked just a little too high… sound familiar? When it comes to sterile storage, small shortcuts can lead to big risks. On this episode of "On Pathogens & PPE," host Jill Holdsworth and co-host Mark Copeland sit down with Tiffany Reece, Malinda Elammari, and Kendall Ashe to dive into the storage challenges showing up in sterile storage areas right now. From creative (but risky) space solutions to confusion around probe storage and vendor access, this group shares where things are breaking down and where teams can make quick changes. Tune in now and take a fresh look at your storage practices, because if it's not stored right, it's not ready for the patient. Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you're in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference! New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible. #BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

Robotic cases aren't slowing down—and neither are the demands on Sterile Processing. On this premiere episode of Beyond Clean's Season 32, "SPD Fact Check," we introduce your co-host for the season, Jaime Amaya, aka "The Robot Whisperer," as she breaks down what it really takes to keep robotic instruments moving safely through SPD. From complex flushing requirements in decontam, to ultrasonic selection and required magnified inspection, Jaime walks us through the steps that can't be rushed or overlooked. She also tackles one of the biggest challenges departments are still trying to solve—how to store these complex instruments safely and efficiently. Whether you're just getting started with robotics or deep in the workflow, this episode is packed with real-world insights you won't want to miss! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode32-01 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season32 #SPDFactCheck #Robotics #InstrumentReprocessing #ComplexDevices #Safety

Every #CleanFreak has seen them at least once—those mysterious black specks appearing in surgical trays with no clear explanation. But are they just a nuisance… or a warning sign of something bigger? In Episode 1 of our brand-new podcast series "What the Speck?," host Bobby Parker welcomes Alex Miseirvitch, Senior Product Manager for Rigid Sterile Containers at Aesculap®, to explore the mystery—and real challenges—behind unidentified debris in sterile trays. From potential patient safety risks to the operational strain of tray contamination and case delays, these tiny particles can create ripple effects across the entire surgical workflow. If your team has ever asked, "What is this—and where did it come from?" this episode is the perfect place to start! Over the next 6 weeks, this series dives into one of Sterile Processing's most frustrating challenges—black specks. From water and steam quality to department culture, risk assessments, and root cause analysis, we're digging into every angle to uncover real answers (and real solutions). A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series! #BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

Stacks of vendor trays arriving without warning, stat turnaround instruments soaking in the sink, and techs scrolling through 100+ documents to find the right IFU… welcome to decontam! In this episode of "On Pathogens & PPE," host Jill Holdsworth and co-host Michael Matthews are joined by Trevor Hazen, Jake McHugh, and Katie Belski to take a closer look at what's happening in today's decontamination workflows. From conflicting IFUs and training gaps to communication breakdowns between SPD and the OR, this crew breaks down what's impacting your process and how your team can improve it. Tune in today #CleanFreaks, because what happens in decontam doesn't stay in decontam, it impacts every step that follows. Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you're in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference! New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible. #BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

Season 32 launches on April 6th. In the meantime, enjoy this rewind episode from season 20 of Beyond Clean! Let's get down to business! What would it look like if the person responsible for purchasing your PPE knew firsthand how vital these supplies are to protecting Sterile Processing staff? Season 20 of the Beyond Clean podcast, "Armed & (Compliantly) Dangerous," is all about personal protective equipment (PPE), and in this episode, Matthew Frederick, Perioperative Business Manager AND Sterile Processing Manager in Kentucky walks us behind the scenes of purchasing PPE. In a post-pandemic world, supply chain is at the center of an ever-changing landscape, and getting the right price for the right equipment is Matthew's area of expertise. Using data, knowledge of the business side of healthcare, and frontline sterile processing experience, his organization is able to do right by both technicians, and the budget. So "come on down" as this week we dive into Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), backorders, and the delicate balancing act for facilities between quality and making sure "The Price is Right." In a world that tries to stretch a dollar out of fifteen cents this is an episode that pulls back the business curtain and may even shine a spotlight on new career options for sterile processing team members. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode20-07 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access 350+ FREE CE credits and #KeepFightingDirty!

Ask any #CleanFreak, and they'll tell you—endoscope reprocessing is one of the most complex processes in Sterile Processing. So how are you setting your team up for success? In this episode of "On Pathogens & PPE," host Jill Holdsworth and co-host Kevin Anderson are joined by Jennifer Leitner, Dyan Darga, and Emiley Body to take a closer look at the real challenges impacting endoscope reprocessing. Together, they explore the impact of staffing pressures, evolving standards, and the growing complexity of reprocessing workflows. Tune in to learn how improved training, stronger collaboration, and a shift in culture can help your team #FightDirty with confidence! Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you're in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference! New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible. #BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

Season 32 launches on April 6th. In the meantime, enjoy this rewind episode from season 20 of Beyond Clean! The gauntlet has officially been thrown down! In the hands-on field of Sterile Processing, it's gloves on for the fight against pathogens, punctures, and potential safety hazards. Season 20 of the Beyond Clean podcast, "Armed & (Compliantly) Dangerous," is all about personal protective equipment (PPE), and in this episode Randalyn Walters, Clinical Education Manager for Belimed, steps in the ring to lay out what you need to know about gloves. Join us as we take on both sides of one of the most hotly debated topics in Sterile Processing and outline the OSHA guidelines for keeping you and your team safe. Randalyn shares her experience as both a Sterile Processing leader and a frontline technician in addressing skin irritation from gloves, proper donning and doffing practices, and dealing with the dreaded waterlogged gloves. It's a can't-miss episode on this season of Beyond Clean. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode20-05 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access 350+ FREE CE credits and #KeepFightingDirty!

Struggling with instrument shortages, case delays, and constant turnover pressure? What if one change could help you do more with what you already have? On this week's Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight™, Kristina Ketchum of Ketchum Konsulting shares how ONE TRAY®/IST is helping facilities streamline workflows, reduce waste, and keep cases moving without costly slowdowns. Kristina went from "ONE TRAY? No, Kick Rocks!" to purchasing 360 trays. Hear more of her story and how, in her consulting career, departments are increasing case volume, reducing delays, and improving both patient and surgeon satisfaction along the way. What could a new approach to tray management mean for your SPD? Let's break it down! For additional information, contact ONE TRAY®/IST at info@onetray.com or call them at 937-619-0138. To connect with Kristina and learn more about her consulting services, visit https://www.efficient-transformation.com or call 540-760-4816. Don't forget to follow the ONE TRAY® IFU for use and stay connected on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates! Condoc 767/715

Temperature swings, humidity spikes, HVAC failures, and water emergencies — oh my! In this episode of "On Pathogens & PPE," host Jill Holdsworth and co-host Benjamin Galvan are joined by Jonathan Wilder, Chase Elms, and Aaron Preston to explore how environmental emergencies can impact Sterile Processing operations. Together, they tackle real-world scenarios that can quickly disrupt workflows and threaten patient safety. Tune in to learn how risk assessments, strong partnerships with facilities teams, and a clear response plan can help your department stay prepared when the unexpected strikes! Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you're in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference! New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible. #BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.