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Beyond Clean Podcast

Author: Beyond Clean Media

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Even though their tools and equipment touch nearly every surgical patient in the world, how much do you really know about the people, processes, and products used in the Sterile Processing industry? Beyond Clean offers a creative look into the inner workings of a healthcare industry surrounded by challenges, disrupted by change, and committed to getting it right -- every instrument, every time. The team at Beyond Clean will bring on some of the biggest names in surgical instrument reprocessing and provide commentary on the biggest issues facing Sterile Processing professionals, facilities, administrators, manufacturers, and vendors. Join us every week as we explore the hidden world of one of the most important aspect of safe surgical care.
912 Episodes
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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
Tears, holes, and mystery micro-leaks—if wrap issues are slowing down your workflows, it might be time to understand what's really going on with your surgical wrap. On this episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Assembly, Sade Brown, PhD, Research & Development Engineer at Owens & Minor, breaks down the science, design, and vulnerabilities that could be putting your sterile barriers at risk. From bacterial filtration efficiency to the delicate balance of porosity, she’ll reveal the key factors that keep surgical wrap working—and explain why stacking those heavy trays might be doing more damage than you think. Whether you're chasing down mystery holes or just want to know what's really keeping your trays safe, this conversation could change how you think about every tray you wrap! 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/episode29-04 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 #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #SurgicalWrap #SterileBarriers #BlueWrap
Why do some trays come together like a perfect puzzle, while others feel like a never-ending scavenger hunt for missing instruments? This week, we're joined by Jake McHugh, Clinical Education and Training Specialist with Agiliti, to dive deep into how count sheets can make or break your assembly workflows. From the frustration of vague descriptions like "long right angle" to the relief of organized, systematic naming that actually makes sense, Jake shares insights from his years of building count sheets that work for techs instead of against them. Whether you're constantly playing detective with confusing count sheets or looking to streamline your current system, this conversation will give you the roadmap to transform your assembly workflows from chaos to efficiency – one count sheet 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/episode29-03 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 #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #CountSheet #Assembly #Workflows
Which is more important in assembly: speed or safety? Quality or quantity? On this episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Assembly, we sit down with Lindell Handy, a seasoned Sterile Processing traveler who's just about seen it all. From crushing productivity demands to stepping into departments with a whole different set of pressures, Lindell breaks down why both speed and accuracy are non-negotiable—because patient safety demands trays that are both correct and on time. Whether you're drowning in high case volume or fighting impossible turnaround times, this is one conversation that could change how you think about balancing productivity and perfection in 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/episode29-02 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 #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #Productivity #Speed #Accuracy
Multiple sizes of peel packs, indicators scattered everywhere, and that "mystery drawer" of surprises—if this describes your assembly area, you're not alone! In this Season 29 premiere of Beyond Clean’s “Planet Assembly,” Jenni Gibbs joins us to share how she transformed her department's assembly table chaos using 5S principles and ergonomic workstations that actually work for the people using them. From workplace injury data that convinced leadership to invest, to the surprising quality improvements that followed, Jenni breaks down the practical steps that turned her SPD’s cluttered assembly tables into standardized success stories. Whether you're battling budget constraints or just tired of hunting for tip protectors in cluttered drawers, this episode is your guide to organizing your assembly area the LEAN way—and keeping it that way! 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/episode29-01 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access over 350 other free CE credits.  #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #SPDWorkstations #AssemblyTables
What happens when only one person in your department knows how to reprocess a certain tray? Or find the IFU for that rarely used scope? Or figure out why the cart washer stopped working—again? On this season finale episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Decontam, Angela Russell joins us to tackle the real dangers of tribal knowledge in decontam. From unwritten workflows and on-the-fly training to the daily pressure of being the only one who “knows how to do that,” Angela shares strategies for building a culture of clarity, confidence, and consistency across the whole team. If your department’s most common answer is, “Go ask Tracy—she’ll know what to do,” 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 #TribalKnowledge
Time to suit up, #CleanFreaks—because this week we’re tackling the real-world challenges of PPE! Join us as we sit down with Marcus Super from Mastel Surgical to explore what makes personal protective equipment truly essential in decontam. From one-size-fits-none challenges to breakthrough PPE innovations, Marcus explains why the right PPE is about more than just checking boxes—it's about keeping our frontline techs safe and comfortable while #FightingDirty. Together, we’re diving into budget battles, supply shortages, and that universal struggle of finding PPE that actually fits the technicians wearing it. If your PPE looks like two gowns layered together, sleeves taped to your arms, and a face shield too fogged up to see the instruments—this episode is for you! 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 #PPE #DecontamSafety
A tiny needle. A missed burr. A hidden blade at the bottom of the sink. These aren't just near misses—they're real exposure risks facing techs in decontam every day. So, how prepared is your team to respond? This week, we're joined by Garrett Hollembeak, infection preventionist and Editor-in-Chief of Transmission Control, to explore pathogen exposure through the eyes of an IP. From bloodborne pathogen kits and near-miss reporting to PPE breakdowns and employee health follow-up, Garrett shares a frontline perspective on what happens when worst-case scenarios become real. Whether you're developing safety protocols or wondering about the true risks of serious bloodborne exposures, this is one conversation that could save more than just paperwork—it could save a life. 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 #InfectionPrevention #WorkplaceSafety
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
Hey #CleanFreaks -- What if the dirtiest surface in your SPD’s decontam isn't at your workstation, but on the floor you're standing on? This week, we welcome infection prevention expert Ericka Kalp to expose the hidden dangers lurking on the surface of your SPD’s floors—and why ignoring them could be putting your patients and your team at risk. From selecting the right disinfectants to establishing clear cleaning accountability between departments, Ericka reveals how those microscopic microbes under your shoes are leaving behind a trail of contamination with every step you take. If you've ever walked into decon and asked, "Why is the floor so sticky?"—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 #Contamination #DecontamFloors
Three bays, two basins, or one compliance nightmare? When it comes to your decontam sinks, the wrong setup doesn't just slow you down – it can send your entire workflow underwater! On this episode of Beyond Clean's Planet Decontam, Jessie Lopez joins us to break down why the proper sink setup can make or break your entire reprocessing cycle. From missing rinses and awkward sink setups to chemical confusion and ergonomic nightmares, we're uncovering how these small missteps at the sink can compromise your workflows and create real compliance challenges for your SPD. If your decontam sinks are creating more obstacles than solutions, this is one conversation that might just keep your department from sailing into troubled waters! 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 #DecontamSinks #Compliance #Workflows  
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
Think your endoscopes are actually dry? You might want to take a second look! On this Season 28 premiere episode of Beyond Clean's “Planet Decontam,” we're joined by Jill Berends, Clinical Trainer at Ambu, to explore why moisture remains one of the biggest threats to effective high-level disinfection. From forced air-drying requirements to the challenges of cabinet storage, discover what the latest studies reveal about this critical -- but often overlooked -- step in endoscope reprocessing. Whether you're struggling with limited space or trying to make sense of ST91’s drying recommendations, this black-and-white conversation about endoscope drying is one 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 #EndoscopeSafety #EndoscopeDrying #InfectionPrevention
When a critical device fails mid-surgery, there's only one team to call… Biomed! This week, we’re joined by the Bearded Biomed himself, Chace Torres, as he reveals why keeping ORs running smoothly takes more than just maintaining equipment - it requires quick thinking, technical expertise, and partnerships that span all surgical teams. From preventive maintenance to emergency repairs, discover how biomed professionals are driving patient safety and surgical success by ensuring every device is ready when it’s needed most. Ready to see surgery through the eyes of healthcare's tech experts? It all comes together in this can’t-miss Season 27 finale – tune in here! Season 27 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 #Podcast #Season27 #PlanetSurgery #Biomed #PreventiveMaintenance
There's a reason they call it the practice of medicine—and every instrument tells part of the story! In this week's episode of Beyond Clean Season 27, pediatric surgeon Dr. Erik Pearson joins us to share why surgical success depends on more than just a surgeon’s skill—it requires a strong partnership with SPD. From training with specific tools to adapting when plans change, we’re exploring how Sterile Processing professionals ensure surgeons have the tools they need to operate with confidence, every procedure, every time. Tune in today to discover how #CleanFreaks like you play a critical role in preparing the next generation of surgeons for whatever comes their way!  Season 27 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 #Podcast #Season27 #PlanetSurgery #PracticeOfMedicine #SurgeonEducation
When advocating for SPD becomes more important than selling products, you know there's a bigger story to tell! Join Territory Manager Jeremy Adler on this week's episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Surgery as he reveals why building strong partnerships between vendors and Sterile Processing is the key to making every surgery possible. From successful product trials and in-services to building lasting partnerships, discover what happens when vendors become Sterile Processing’s biggest champions. With insights from both the OR and SPD, this is one vendor’s perspective you don't want to miss – tune in today! Season 27 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 #Podcast #Season27 #PlanetSurgery #Vendors #SurgeryTrials
Grab your count sheets and fire up those instrument tracking systems - we're diving into the general service line on this week's episode of Beyond Clean Season 27! Join data gurus Kyle Louie and Craig Stevens as they uncover why optimization starts with understanding how your trays are really being used. From critical access hospitals to major medical centers, discover how tribal knowledge, automated solutions, and proper data collection can transform your SPD’s general service line. Whether you're managing complex preference cards or searching for that one crucial instrument across sixteen trays, this is one episode you don't want to miss! Season 27 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 #Podcast #Season27 #PlanetSurgery #GeneralServiceLine
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Comments (2)

Sherri Phillips Cummings

I'm new to the pod cast today. my first listen. very interesting. can't wait to hear more pod casts.

Aug 28th
Reply (1)