Sterile Processing and Perioperative Efficiency with Paul Wafer
Release Date: 05/25/2020
Problems in the Pipes: Is Water Causing Your Black Specks?
Beyond Clean Podcast
When black specks show up in your trays, water is often the first suspect—but is it really to blame? In this episode of “What the Speck?,” Christian Abell from Aesculap’s Surgical Asset Management team dives into one of the most common theories behind the black speck mystery: water quality. From city water changes and construction disturbances to failing filters and aging equipment, Christian breaks down how contaminants can make their way from the pipes into your reprocessing workflows. If you’ve ever suspected the culprit might be hiding somewhere in your water system, the trail of...
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On Pathogens & PPE: Why Brush Selection Matters
Beyond Clean Podcast
Think one brush fits all? Think again! On this week’s episode of “On Pathogens & PPE,” hosts Jill Holdsworth and Trevor Hazen are joined by Nelson Winter, Emily Barnard, and Ron Hunsucker to take a closer look at how brush selection, sizing, and technique impact your manual cleaning process. From choosing the right brush size and type to knowing when a brush has reached the end of its life, this group calls out the habits that can quietly compromise your workflow. They also highlight how training, storage, and daily practices can make or break consistency across your team. Grab your...
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SPD Fact Check - Just Roll with It? The Dirty Truth about Instrument Transport
Beyond Clean Podcast
It might only be a few steps from the OR to decontam, so how do you ensure your instruments get there safely? This week on Season 32 “SPD Fact Check,” we’re joined by veteran Sterile Processing consultant Marc Finch as he shares what it really takes to move contaminated instruments safely through your facility. From what AAMI ST79 requires to why back table drapes and biohazard bags fall short, Marc walks us through the critical steps that can often be overlooked. He also highlights how gaps in transport practices can expose staff, damage instruments, and create risks throughout your...
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Clear the Air: Rethinking PPE Protection in SPD
Beyond Clean Podcast
Is the PPE your team relies on actually built for the environment you work in? On this week’s Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight™, Ken Arthur and Desiree Acedo from MAXAIR® Systems join us to explore how the MAXAIR® CAPR® system is redefining safety, comfort, and protection in high-heat, high-moisture decontamination environments. With ANSI-AAMI PB 70 Level 4 Fluid/Splash and NIOSH Approved Respiratory protection, adjustable airflow, and a lightweight, fog-free design, this innovative PPE helps techs stay protected and comfortable through even the toughest days in decontam. From reducing...
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A Trail of Breadcrumbs: Getting to the Source of Your Black Speck Issue
Beyond Clean Podcast
Behind every black speck is a process, a piece of equipment, or a hidden culprit waiting to be discovered. In this episode of “What the Speck?,” SPD professional and consultant Warren Nist joins us to discuss how departments can move beyond identifying debris and begin uncovering the root cause behind it. From quality reports and workflow data to full department risk assessments, Warren walks through how experienced SPD teams track contamination back to its source. We also uncover some surprising culprits—from worn equipment components to debris hiding inside washers, carts, and even on...
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On Pathogens & PPE: What’s Hiding in Your Lumens
Beyond Clean Podcast
You followed the IFU. You brushed. You flushed. So it’s clean… right? On this week’s episode of “On Pathogens & PPE,” hosts Jill Holdsworth and Brandon Gantt are teaming up with Aaron Preston, Cheron Rojo, and Jahan Azizi to take a closer look at what’s hiding inside your lumen instruments. As more departments adopt borescopes, teams are uncovering retained debris, moisture, and internal damage that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, even when reprocessing steps were correctly followed. From understanding what you’re seeing to knowing what to do when something doesn’t...
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SPD Fact Check - Workin' at the Cart Wash: Exploring SPD's Biggest Washer
Beyond Clean Podcast
Case carts in, case carts out—but do you really know what’s happening inside your SPD’s cart washer? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we’re joined by Angus Bruce as he breaks down what modern cart washers are actually capable of—and where teams can run into trouble without realizing it. From when it makes sense to run instruments through them to why your chemistries might be expiring in the detergent room, Angus walks us through the decisions that can’t be overlooked. He also highlights how gaps in maintenance and setup can quietly contribute to particulate contamination showing up...
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From Speck to Source: What Exactly Is a “Black Speck?”
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...
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On Pathogens & PPE: Getting Sterile Storage Right
Beyond Clean 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...
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SPD Fact Check - The Robot Whisperer: Clearing Up Confusion in Robotic Instrument Reprocessing
Beyond Clean Podcast
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...
info_outlineOften times the most obvious ways to improve are the hardest to see. That's why teams of all sizes, in all industries, can benefit from an outside perspective. On this week's episode, Hank and Justin speak with longtime perioperative consultant, Paul Wafer, about the importance of efficiency and communication within a surgical service team. Paul's unique approach has benefited thousands of hospital and surgery center teams through enacting simple changes that increase case accuracy and flow, ultimately providing a cohesive toolkit for Sterile Processing staff success. By increasing intentional communication and accountability between sterile processing and perioperative staff, Paul brings proven tactics that the entire industry can benefit from. Tune in to this insightful interview with one of the field's leading minds on such a critical issue so many of us face!
This episode is approved for 1 CE, so once you finish this interview, you can download your CE certificate immediately by passing the short quiz linked below.
For access to this CE quiz and over 250 other free CE credits, visit our CE Credit Hub: https://www.beyondclean.net/ce-credit-hub
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