Beyond Clean Podcast

Are you testing the sharpness of every scissor that comes across your assembly table? What about those box locks for cracks or those lumen channels for hidden debris? On this week’s episode of “The Processes that Save Lives,” Bobby Parker and Hank Balch are teaming up to talk about the crucial step in our reprocessing workflows that keeps patients safe and instruments procedure-ready -- instrument inspections. You’ll hear tips for spotting the trickiest instrument defects, inspection best practices, plus insights from veteran Sterile Processing leaders that will help you boost your inspection confidence. Don't let another broken instrument reach your OR - tune in to this can't-miss conversation 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 #InstrumentInspection

Your washer’s spray arms are spinning, but are your instruments actually getting clean? On this week’s episode of Beyond Clean, "The Processes that Save Lives," we're diving into the science of proper washer loading with Anna Castillo-Gutierrez, Sterile Processing Educator at Texas Children's Hospital. From protecting your SPD’s most delicate instruments to washer testing dos and don’ts, Anna reveals why understanding the 'why' behind your washer loading techniques is crucial for patient safety and automated cleaning effectiveness. Is your department setting every cycle up for cleaning success? Get ready to turn up the volume and fire up those washers -- this is one episode you don’t want to miss! 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 #WasherLoading

The preference sheet: a #CleanFreaks guide to case cart picking success....or is it? For most departments, these documents are outdated, incomplete, or completely dependent upon the picker's expertise to interpret. On this week's episode of Beyond Clean Season 26, Sterile Processing Consultant Art Babiy joins us to give a crash course in "Case Cart Picking 101!" From exposing the real challenges behind effective case cart picking, staff training, and more – we're uncovering why this crucial process is about more than just following a checklist. Whether you're a picking pro or picking up a preference sheet for the first time – this episode is packed with insights to help you pick the perfect case cart, every procedure, every time! 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 #CaseCartPicking

When was the last time a surgeon needed a tray "right now" - and your SPD had to rush and make it happen? Whether it's a compromised tray or another add-on case, these high-pressure situations put both our processes and patients at risk. In this episode of "The Processes that Save Lives," we explore the complexities of instrument turnovers with Rebecca Lauber, member of the Beyond Clean Advisory Group and Regional OR/SPD Trainer. From managing urgent requests to preventing cut corners, Rebecca reveals how effective planning, communication, and data can transform your SPD's turnover challenges into patient safety wins. Does your current turnover process stand up to the demands of your OR's busy schedule? Tune in today and discover how to take your turnover process from chaos to confidence! 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 beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.  #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #WeFightDirty

Ever wonder what happens to those broken instruments once you place them in the repair bin? Their journey from the repair bin to the repair van and back again is more complex—and critical—than you might think! On this week’s episode of Beyond Clean Season 26, Chase Elms, Sterile Processing Supervisor and member of the Beyond Clean Advisory Group, joins us to go beyond the repair bin and explore the intricacies of instrument repair management. From navigating complex repair contracts to improving communication with repair vendors, Chase reveals how a streamlined repair process can enhance your department's performance and safeguard patient safety. Are your techs sending the right instruments to the right vendors? Do you know the true cost of your repair program? Tune in now and discover how you can transform your SPD’s instrument repair strategy! 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 beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.  #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #WeFightDirty #InstrumentRepair

Wet Packs. Two words no Sterile Processing technician wants to hear in the middle of a busy shift. One wet tray means rewrapping an entire load, scrambling to meet turnaround times, and potentially throwing off the OR’s schedule. So, what if the solution to eliminating wet packs was all in how you load your sterilizer cart? In this episode of Beyond Clean's "The Processes that Save Lives," we talk to David Jagrosse, President of David Jagrosse Consulting, about all things sterilizer loading! From the importance of proper tray placement to navigating the do's and don'ts of mixed loads, David exposes the surprising impact all of this can have on your SPD’s sterilization success. Join the conversation today and say goodbye to your sterilizer headaches and hello to sterilizer excellence! 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 beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.  #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #WeFightDirty

Grab your cleaning brushes, fill up those sinks, and turn up the volume, it's time to dive into the complex world of manual cleaning! In this Season 26 premiere episode of Beyond Clean, "The Processes that Save Lives," Sean Weir, aka "The Bearded Educator," joins us to scrub away at industry assumptions and to shine a spotlight on the critical role manual cleaning plays in our reprocessing workflows. From OR pretreatment processes to automated vs manual cleaning, Sean weighs in on the key factors that can make or break your SPD's decontamination success. Buckle up as we tackle the ongoing brush reuse debate, uncover the "whys" behind each cleaning step, and expose the hidden challenges that could be lurking in your decontamination area. Don't miss out, tune in to this action-packed episode 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 beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.  #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #WeFightDirty

Hey #CleanFreaks! We’re wrapping up another action-packed season with an episode dedicated to the tiny but mighty components that put the buzz in our ultrasonic cleaners -- ultrasonic transducers! What are they? Why are they important? And how are they making a big difference in Sterile Processing? Joining us this week to answer these buzz-worthy questions and more is ultrasonic cleaner extraordinaire, Pawel de Sternberg Stojalowski. From the science behind cavitation to the anatomy of these critical cleaning components, Pawel is dishing out his expert tips to help you maximize your ultrasonic cleaning power. We'll explore the different types of transducers, discuss how to spot potential issues, and uncover why proper testing is the key to confident cleaning. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening inside your SPD’s ultrasonic cleaner, this episode is for you! Tune in today! 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

Is your SPD's breakroom fridge clean as a whistle or a ticking time bomb of workplace drama? On this episode of Beyond Clean Season 25, "The Little Things that Make a Big Difference," we're joined by Nicole Walley and Stacey Gielen to explore how this breakroom centerpiece can be a powerful indicator of your department’s workplace culture. From mysterious disappearing lunches to team-building cleaning days, we'll uncover the surprising impact a well-maintained fridge can have on staff performance and department harmony. Get ready to chill out with some cool insights on how you can help transform your breakroom into a relaxing, comfortable space for all – and it all starts with the breakroom fridge! So, grab your headphones and press play – your team's morale will thank you! 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

The humble towel. If you're reading this in an SPD, you're probably less than 6 feet from a towel this very moment, and yet how often have you ever really stopped to think about what that little piece of fabric actually does? On this week's episode of Beyond Clean, "The Little Things that Make a Big Difference,” we talk to Tory Teakell, Clinical Solutions Manager for Medline, about all things surgical towels! From linting concerns to color coding, and more – we've "woven" it all into this important conversation about a little piece of fabric that has big implications for surgical care. Get ready to roll up the volume and soak up all the clinical insights during today's show! We can't wait to have you tune in! 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

Are your load stickers telling the full story of your sterilization workflows? Or are they missing key details that could mean the difference between a successful recall and a departmental crisis? On this episode of Beyond Clean Season 25, we welcome Jessie Lopez, Educator & Quality Assurance Manager, who's ready to #Stirthatpot and discuss tools in our SPDs we often take for granted, yet they play a critical role in our sterilization workflows--the sticker gun & sterilization labels. From decoding Julian dates to preventing load recall nightmares, Jessie explains why your department’s sticker gun and sterilization labels are essential not only to your tracking workflows but also to the safety of your patients. We’ll explore labeling best practices, outline common sticker gun dos and don’ts, and debate whether it's time for traditional labeling to stick around or make way for new tech. So, turn up the volume and grab your trusty sticker gun, because this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you elevate your department’s sterilization tracking game, one load sticker at a time! 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

Are your sterilizer door gaskets maintaining a fortress of sterility or leaving your SPD vulnerable to a steam-powered disaster? On this episode of Beyond Clean Season 25, “The Little Things that Make a Big Difference,” David Jagrosse, President of David Jagrosse Consulting, is taking us beyond the sterilizer door to explore the pressure-packed world of sterilizer door gaskets. From preventing hazardous steam leaks to ensuring effective sterilization cycles, David seals the deal on why these rubber rings are the true MVPs (Most Valuable Protectors) of your department’s sterilization workflows. Join us and together we'll explore proper maintenance techniques, dive into the importance of leak tests, and discover why you should never ignore sounds coming from your department’s autoclave. Is your sterilizer's first line of defense holding strong? Tune in today to ensure your SPD’s sterilization success doesn’t slip through the cracks! 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

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

Are your case carts rolling smoothly, or are stubborn cart wheels grinding your workflows to a screeching halt? On this episode of Beyond Clean Season 25, Brayden Bennett, Regional Sales Manager at LogiQuip® & Beyond Clean Healthcare Storage ExpertTM, joins us to roll out insights into the unexpected ways case cart casters can make or break your department's efficiency. From preventing staff injuries to ensuring smooth sailing from SPD to the OR and back again, Brayden is unveiling the complex role case cart casters play in your SPD’s workflows. Join the conversation as we explore why not all casters are created equal, learn how to choose the right ones for your facility's unique needs, and uncover the surprising impact these little wheels can have on patient safety. Can your case cart wheels handle the daily grind in your SPD? Tune in now to find out! 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

True or False: Washer arms can make or break your entire decontamination process? In this Season 25 premiere episode of Beyond Clean, “The Little Things that Make a Big Difference,” we’re joined by Randalyn Harreld, Clinical Education Manager at SteelcoBelimed, to uncover the critical (and often overlooked) role mechanical washer arms play in your SPD’s decontamination success. From the intricate parts that keep them spinning to nightmare stories of clogged nozzles and missing O-rings, Randalyn shines the spotlight on these tiny but mighty washer disinfector components. Are you confident your washer arms are performing at their peak? Tune in now and arm yourself with the expertise to keep your washers running smoothly -- because when it comes to #FightingDirty, every little thing counts! 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

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

What if your next eval could unlock the next level in your Sterile Processing career? On this episode of Season 24 "The Papers that Make Us Awesome," Cody Troutt, Clinical Education Specialist at Steris, joins us to shake up everything you thought you knew about your annual Sterile Processing eval! Get ready to go beyond just an annual check-in, and dive into innovative strategies to help you leverage your eval into a powerful tool for advancing your career and making a lasting impact on your team. Cody is dishing out his expert tips to help you navigate difficult conversations, advocate for your achievements, and secure the recognition you earned as an essential member of your SPD team! Join the conversation today and get ready to make your next eval unforgettable - in all the right ways! 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

Are your department's compliance documents audit-ready? Are you checking and initialing your sterilizer printouts after every cycle, every time? In this week’s episode of Beyond Clean Season 24, we're joined by Rory Burke, Instrument Management System Coordinator, and documentation fanatic, to uncover the critical role that every single Sterile Processing professional plays in creating an unbreakable chain of documentation evidence. From the frontlines to the C-Suite, Rory reveals the dos and don'ts of properly documenting your department's instrument reprocessing workflows. You'll discover why "if it wasn't documented, it didn't happen" is more than just a catchy phrase - it's a powerful reminder of the trust placed in us by our patients and surgical teams. If you're ready to elevate your SPD's documentation game and prepare your team to always be audit-ready, this episode is your secret weapon for #FightingDirty! 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

Do you really know what you think you know? Are your department's competencies a true measure of your skills, or are they just another annual checkmark in your file? On this episode of Beyond Clean Season 24, "The Papers that Make Us Awesome," we're challenging the status quo of department competencies with Jhmeid Billingslea, competency guru, and Managing Director for Surgical Services at Advantage Support Services, Inc. Together, we'll uncover how you can transform your SPD competencies from a checkbox exercise into a powerful tool for building an unstoppable team of #CleanFreaks. Jhmeid is sharing his expert tips for crafting competencies that don't just assess skills, but ignite passion, boost confidence, and equip every technician to tackle the toughest challenges head-on. If you're ready to ditch the old approach to competencies and unleash the true potential of your department, then this is one episode you don’t want to miss. Grab your notepad, sharpen your pencil, and let's rewrite the rules of SPD success, one game-changing competency at a time! 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. 

Sterile Processing Policies and Procedures: Who writes them? Who should be writing them? And most importantly, can everyone understand them once they are written? This week, in Episode 4 from Beyond Clean Season 24, Mila Miranda, Assistant Manager for Sterile Processing at UC Davis Medical Center joins us to unravel the "how's" and "why's" behind crafting effective policies and procedures in Sterile Processing. Drawing from personal experiences, Mila emphasizes the critical role policies and procedures play in increasing compliance and safeguarding both technicians and patients alike. Discover practical tips for translating policies from mere words on paper to impactful actions on the frontlines of our SPDs. If you've ever wondered why certain policies make the cut in your department's handbook, this episode is your secret weapon for conquering your SPD's standards with clarity, compliance, and confidence! 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