Beyond Clean Podcast

Picture this: your steam goes down on a busy Tuesday morning. Cases are booked, patients are waiting, and your sterilizers won't run. What's your team's first move? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we sit down with Jennifer Greisen from Aesculap to tackle one of SPD's most uncomfortable questions: what do you do when your department can't sterilize instruments, and the clock is ticking? With decades of experience in offsite reprocessing and disaster recovery, Jennifer walks us through how true disaster preparedness begins long before the crisis hits. From real-world scenarios like water loss and boiler failures to what strong SPD leadership looks like in those first critical hours, this conversation explores response and recovery when everything is on the line. In this final episode of the season, we bring together everything we've learned about steam sterilization and challenge you to ask: how prepared is your department really? After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-08 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. 🎉What a season! Thanks to our #CleanFreaks for coming along for the ride and to our awesome guests for making it possible. Season 32 is just around the corner--stay tuned! #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season31 #UnderPressure #SteamSterilization #SteamFailure #ResponsePlanning

You depend on steam every single day to keep your SPD moving. So, when steam issues shut down your sterilizers, who you gonna call? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we sit down with Jim Carlock, Regional Director of Sterile Processing for Mercy, to talk about why your relationship with facilities management might be the most important partnership for your SPD. Jim walks us through how steam is generated, treated, and delivered to your department, what can go wrong along the way, and why building a relationship with your boiler operator before problems happen can save your department when steam issues strike. Whether you're troubleshooting steam issues or just want to understand the system powering your sterilizers, Jim breaks down everything you need to know about who and what keeps steam flowing in your SPD. Trust us, this is one episode you don't want to miss #CleanFreaks! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-07 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 #Season31 #UnderPressure #SteamSterilization #FacilitiesManagement #Steam #Boilers

Wet packs happen in every department. But how much do we really know about what causes them? This week on Beyond Clean, Jason Simon, Senior Product Manager at Skytron, is back to break down why wet packs happen and what you can do to help prevent them. Jason breaks down what's happening during the drying phase, why some loads fail to dry, and how operator practices, loading decisions, and equipment all work together to create or prevent wet packs. From cracked doors and extended dry times to vacuum systems and steam quality, this conversation tackles one of SPD's most frustrating challenges. Whether you're constantly fighting wet loads or just want to understand what makes the drying phase work, this episode delivers the practical solutions you need! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-06 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 #Season31 #UnderPressure #SteamSterilization #WetPacks #Sterilization #DryTimes #SteamQuality

You load trays and hit start on your steam sterilizer dozens of times a day. But do you actually know what's happening inside that chamber once the door closes? This week, we sit down with Jason Simon, Senior Product Manager at Skytron, to break down how steam sterilizers actually work—from air removal and steam jackets to exposure phases and drying cycles. Jason walks us through the critical role utilities play in sterilizer performance, why just buying new equipment won't fix steam quality problems, and what all those numbers on your cycle printouts actually mean. Whether you're troubleshooting persistent wet packs or just want to understand what's happening behind that steel door, this conversation delivers the technical knowledge you need to make smarter sterilizer decisions! This conversation isn't over! Part 2 with Jason drops next Monday—don't miss it! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-05 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 #Season31 #UnderPressure #SteamSterilization #SteamJackets #SteamExposure #Performance #WetPacks

Weight limits exist for every sterilizer and every tray that goes into it. But what happens when those limits get overlooked in the daily rush? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we sit down with Sterile Processing educator Carol Malone to explore what really drives safe sterilizer loading. From discovering chamber capacity limits you might not know about to creating visual controls that help your team stay compliant, Carol walks us through practical strategies for managing both in-house and vendor tray weights. Whether you're optimizing your current processes or just want to understand how these limits protect patients and your equipment, this conversation delivers the solutions you need to strengthen your sterilization practices! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-04 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 #Season31 #UnderPressure #SteamSterilization #WeightLimits #SterilizationChamber #SurgicalTrays

Ever wonder why your "stainless" steel instruments keep staining and rusting? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we sit down with metallurgical engineer Michaela Kuba for an inside look at what surgical stainless steel actually is—and what it isn't. Michaela explains why that passivation layer matters and how factors like chlorine exposure, free iron contamination, and water quality can quietly sabotage your instruments over time. From point-of-use treatment that truly supports instrument longevity to why rust can spread from tray to tray, Michaela breaks down the science behind preventing corrosion. Whether you're constantly battling rust and staining or just want to understand what's really happening to your instruments, this conversation delivers the answers you need! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-03 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 #Season31 #UnderPressure #StainlessSteel #Corrosion #InstrumentStaining #SurgicalInstruments #Rust

The dreaded missing indicator—you've trained on it, created systems for it, and yet trays still reach the OR without them. What if technology could catch that mistake before the tray ever leaves your department? On this episode of Beyond Clean, Gregory Warino, Director of Central Sterile Processing at Mercy Health, shares how his team used AI to tackle missing CIs across three facilities. From getting skeptical staff on board to watching the technology actually catch missing indicators before trays leave assembly, Gregory breaks down the real story behind implementing AI in SPD—from what it cost, how long it took, and whether the tech lived up to the hype. If missing indicators are a pain point in your department or you're curious about what AI means for your SPD's workflows, this episode has the answers you need! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-02 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 #Season31 #UnderPressure #Indicator #CIs #Workflows #AI #Technology

What if your department could go from over 10% immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS) cycles to nearly zero? In the Season 31 premiere of Beyond Clean, we're joined by Monica Anderson, Sterile Processing Manager and the fearless leader of a team that did exactly that. Monica walks us through the real-world strategies her department used to identify every pathway leading to IUSS—and how they systematically shut them down. From leading hands-on education in decontam to building stronger partnerships with the OR, Monica shares how data, trust, and teamwork turned high IUSS numbers into an opportunity for lasting culture and process change. If you're ready to rewrite the story of IUSS in your facility, you don't want to miss this inspiring conversation! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-01 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 #Season31 #UnderPressure #IUSS #SteamSterilization #PatientSafety

The temp spikes. The humidity climbs. Your sterile storage alarms go off—now what? In this episode of Beyond Clean's Tray Command, we sit down with Senior Infection Preventionist Stephen Rusbarsky to explore the brand-new ASHRAE 43 guideline and what it means for Sterile Processing. Stephen breaks down what changes, what stays the same, and how this new guidance outlines actionable steps for responding to out-of-range temperature and humidity events. From defining realistic thresholds to understanding when to monitor, when to escalate, and when reprocessing is actually required, he'll walk us through the critical decisions that guide your team's next move when alarms start to sound. If you've ever had to make that Sunday-night "do we cancel Monday's OR schedule?" decision, this season finale has the answers you've been waiting for! 🎉That's a wrap on Season 30 #CleanFreaks! On behalf of our entire team at Beyond Clean and our awesome guests this season, we want to thank you for tuning in. Stay tuned for Beyond Clean Season 31 launching in 2026! Season 30 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-08 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 #Season30 #TrayCommand #ASHRAE43 #SterileStorage #Humidity #Temperature #TempMonitoring

Every successful surgery starts with a perfectly assembled case cart. But what happens when the next cart rolling into the OR is missing a critical supply or instrument? This week, we're joined by Courtney Kleeb, Senior Director of Perioperative Surgical Solutions at HealthTrust Performance Group, for a deep dive into what really drives case cart success. From preference card cleanup to fixing inefficient pick paths that send your team zigzagging, Courtney breaks down the real-world strategies that turn incomplete carts into streamlined workflows. Whether you're dealing with multiple departments all touching the same cart or just tired of chasing down missing supplies between cases, this conversation has the practical solutions you need to unite your OR, SPD, and Supply Chain around one goal—delivering excellent patient care! Season 30 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-07 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 #Season30 #TrayCommand #CaseCarts #Accuracy #Surgery #SurgicalSupplies #Instruments

You're in the middle of a normal day, and suddenly an emergency case is called. Your team reaches for the emergency cart… and that's when it hits you: something's missing. It's a scenario every SPD and OR team dreads—and one that longtime OR/SPD leader David Taylor has seen more than once in his career. In this episode of Beyond Clean's Tray Command, David joins us to take a real-world look at what keeps emergency, trauma, and crash carts truly "emergency ready." From preventing "just this once" borrowing to the importance of clear ownership and routine checks, David shares practical strategies for keeping carts sealed, stocked, and ready for the unexpected. Tune in today for a conversation that keeps your team prepared and your carts stocked when it matters most. Season 30 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-06 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 #Season30 #TrayCommand #EmergencyCarts #CrashCarts #TraumaCarts #Prepared #Emergency

It's 3rd shift on a Saturday, the BI fails—is your team prepared for what happens next? In this episode of Tray Command, we're joined by Sandra Hilliard to talk through the policies, workflows, and clear decision pathways every SPD needs before a recall alarm hits. From identifying true root causes to determining whether you're looking at a one-load recall or a full sterilizer revalidation, Sandra explains how documented process clarity protects patients, your teams, and your sanity. She'll even share her creative approach to training using false-alarm drills to keep her staff ready when the real thing happens. If sterilization recall pages are missing in your binder, this episode will help you strengthen your team's readiness before it's put to the test! Season 30 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-05 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 #Season30 #TrayCommand #SterilizationRecalls #BiologicalIndicators #LoadRecall

What does it really take to move surgical instruments safely and efficiently across town—and back—every single day? In this episode of Beyond Clean's Tray Command, we sit down with Lila Price, Interim Sterile Processing Leader, for a deep dive into the logistics, leadership, and lessons behind off-site sterilization. From courier education and contamination risks to emergency planning and evolving standards, Lila shares what she's learned from years of managing complex off-site workflows. Whether you're exploring a new off-site program or looking to improve the one you're currently working with, this conversation is packed with insights to keep your trays (and teams) moving in the right direction! Season 30 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-04 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 #Season30 #TrayCommand #OffsiteTransportation #SurgicalInstruments #Logistics

Every #CleanFreak knows the sound—the rattle of a cart rolling into decontam, stacked high with trays just before your shift ends. (You can hear it now, can't you?) But what does it take to get those trays there in the first place? On this week's episode of Beyond Clean's Tray Command, we're joined by orthopedic distributor Kris Jones for a behind-the-scenes look at the unpredictable world of orthopedic loaner logistics. From overnight drives and last-minute case changes to the coordination that keeps trays moving across multiple facilities, Kris shares how communication, planning, and tracking technology are bringing order to the chaos. If you've ever wondered what it takes to get those loaners to your dock before surgery starts, this episode delivers the full story—straight from someone who lives it every day. Season 30 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-03 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 #Season30 #TrayCommand #LoanerTrays #LoanerLogistics #OrthopedicTrays

When seconds matter, where your instruments are stored can make all the difference. On this episode of Beyond Clean's "Tray Command," Bobby Parker and guest co-host Angela Benson sit down with OR Nurse and First Case Podcast co-host Melanie Perry for a candid look at what happens when critical instruments are stored too far from the OR. From sub-sterile setups and backup trays to the push for faster turnovers, Melanie shares how proximity, preparation, and teamwork between SPD and the OR can make or break a case. Tune in today for a conversation that brings the focus back to what really matters—communication, coordination, and connection between surgical teams—to keep every case moving safely and efficiently! Season 30 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-02 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 #Season30 #TrayCommand #Teamwork #Communication #SurgicalTrays #OperatingRoom

What if the biggest game-changer for your Sterile Processing department wasn't a new piece of equipment—but a new approach to customer service? In this Season 30 premiere episode of Beyond Clean's "Tray Command," we're kicking things off with a familiar voice: Beyond Clean's Hank Balch, returning to the studio for a powerful conversation on customer service, culture, and connection. Hank shares why mastering the "people" side of SPD is just as essential as mastering your trays, and how communication can become the secret weapon that turns workflow friction into teamwork. If your SPD-OR relationship could use a reset, this episode is your call to action. Season 30 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode30-01 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 #Season30 #TrayCommand #CustomerService #Workflows #Communication #Connection #Teamwork

What does your repair bin say about your department's inspection process? This week, we sit down with Joseph Martin, Sterile Processing Manager at UCHealth, to talk about building a culture of repair in assembly. With over a decade of SPD experience as a technician, educator, and leader, Joseph shares how shifting repair from reaction to prevention—and giving techs the "why" behind inspection—can turn repair bins into tools for accountability, growth, and patient safety. From education that motivates to vendor partnerships that build trust, Joseph explains how teams can catch damage early, protect trays, and keep patients safe. Let this episode be your reminder: don't fear the repair—embrace it, own it, and keep #FightingDirty one instrument at a time! Season 29 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode29-08 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 #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #InstrumentRepair #RepairBin #Accountability #InstrumentInspection

What happens when you take a closer look inside your lumened instruments? According to the Unseen Threats: Lumens 2.0 study, every instrument told the same story: 100% contamination. On this episode of Beyond Clean, study co-author Brandon Gantt reveals what his team found hiding inside devices once believed to be clean. Rust, residues, and debris told a different story—raising big questions about whether current cleaning practices are enough and what changes are critical for safer reprocessing. From assembly workflows to future safety standards, Brandon explains why this study is a wake-up call for every SPD and why the push for borescope adoption matters now more than ever. Tune in today! Season 29 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode29-07 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 #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #Lumens #Borescopes #Contamination #InstrumentCleaning

Earbuds, the radio, or silence on the floor—every SPD has its own beat. What's yours? On this episode of Beyond Clean's Planet Assembly, we're joined by SPD veterans Elizabeth Bell and Tracy Raymond for a friendly but passionate debate over one of the most talked-about topics in our industry: music in assembly! This duo shares how their contrasting approaches to music have shaped team culture, impacted quality outcomes, and sparked some surprising insights along the way. From boosting productivity to building team morale, they explore how departments can find success with very different workplace rhythms. Whether you're team "turn it up" or team "turn it off," this conversation will have you rethinking the soundtrack of your SPD! Season 29 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode29-06 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 #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #Music #Earbuds #SoundtrackOfYourSPD #Productivity

Every SPD tech knows the feeling: the tray wasn't right, and now everything's running behind. But what if one small check could stop the chaos before it begins? On this episode of Beyond Clean's Planet Assembly, we're joined by Dr. Timothy Hurtado and Tori Ruiz, the dynamic duo behind the first-place HSPA poster presentation that tackled tray defects head-on with the power of a second look. From high-risk trays to surprising data trends, Timothy and Tori share how one small idea—and a few simple audits—sparked a culture shift and grew into a scalable, successful QA program across multiple sites. Their story is proof that quality improvement doesn't have to be complicated to make a big impact—and if you're looking for a practical, proven way to reduce errors and rally your team around quality, this is one episode you don't want to miss. Season 29 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 here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode29-05 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 #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #Audits #QualityChecks #Data #QualityAssurance