Sterile Processing 101: Sterilization Methods Explained - Steam, Low-Temp, & IUSS
Release Date: 05/04/2026
Silo-Free Surgery: What SSI Risk Keeps You Up at Night?
First Case Podcast
What keeps you up at night when it comes to preventing surgical site infections (SSIs)? In this week’s special season co-release episode, Jeremy Gibson-Roark returns to join hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Lindsey Joyce for a conversation about moving from reactive investigations to proactive prevention. Together, they explore why infection prevention plans should be living documents, how stronger collaboration between OR and IP teams uncovers risks before they become problems, and why some of the best ideas come from simply asking frontline teams the right questions. If preventing SSIs starts...
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Silo-Free Surgery: Where Is the Smoking Gun?
First Case Podcast
Why is it so difficult to trace a surgical site infection (SSI) back to one clear cause? On this special season co-release episode of First Case and Transmission Control, hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Lindsey Joyce are joined by Jeremy Gibson-Roark for an honest conversation about what really happens when an SSI investigation begins. Together, they explore why infection investigations are rarely straightforward, how OR, IP, and SP departments each hold a piece of the puzzle, and why breaking down silos is essential to finding meaningful answers. As the first episode of this special...
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Passing the Mic: Celebrating Melanie Perry's Impact on First Case
First Case Podcast
Every great podcast has a voice that brings each conversation to life. Over the past five years, Melanie Perry has been that voice for First Case. In this special release episode of the First Case Podcast, we celebrate Melanie's incredible journey as host, reflecting on the stories, guests, and moments that made this podcast such a valuable resource for the perioperative community. Joined by Justin Poulin and Garrett Hollembeak, Melanie looks back on where it all began, shares what's next in her own journey, and offers a heartfelt thank you to the listeners and colleagues who have been part of...
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Sterile Processing 101: When Things Go Wrong
First Case Podcast
Even the best systems have moments when things go wrong. What matters most is how we respond. In the Season 19 finale of Sterile Processing 101, Jen Parrott returns to discuss what happens when things go wrong like wet packs, missing instruments, failed indicators, delays, and breakdowns in the process. This episode is a powerful reminder that solving problems requires more than urgency. It requires communication, accountability, and a culture focused on improvement instead of blame. Because when the OR and SPD work together, setbacks become opportunities to build safer systems for every...
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Sterile Processing 101: Storage, Shelf Life, and Event-Related Sterility
First Case Podcast
How much thought do we really give to packaging… until something goes wrong? In today's interview, we explore the often-overlooked world of storage, shelf life, and event-related sterility with Malinda Elammari, CEO of Crown Point Consulting. From blue wrap and rigid containers to peel packs and transport practices, this episode breaks down why packaging is far more than a wrapper. In reality, it's a critical part of protecting sterility and patient safety. Listen now and discover why packaging matters! #operatingroom #sterileprocessing #ornurse #scrubtech
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Sterile Processing 101: Reading the Tray - Indicators, Tape, Filters, and What They Actually Mean
First Case Podcast
How do you know the tray you just opened is truly ready for your patient? In Episode 6 of Sterile Processing 101, we sit down with Adam Okada to take a closer look at the indicators, tape, filters, and packaging features that communicate critical sterility information before instruments ever reach the field. Join us as we discuss what these indicators do, what they don’t tell us, and why the OR team is the final line of defense before those instruments are used on a patient. #operatingroom #sterileprocessing #ornurse #scrubtech
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Sterile Processing 101: Sterilization Methods Explained - Steam, Low-Temp, & IUSS
First Case Podcast
In this week's episode, we take a practical look at the science behind sterilization with Bobby Parker from Beyond Clean. From steam cycles to low-temperature, this episode breaks down the different ways instruments are processed and discusses why each method matters. You’re also going to gain a clearer understanding of indicators, sterility assurance, and why sterilization takes more time than many realize. But the more we understand the process, the better we can support patient safety and workflow efficiency. #operatingroom #sterileprocessing #ornurse #scrubtech
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Sterile Processing 101: Inspection & Assembly - The Art of Building a Reliable Tray
First Case Podcast
How reliable is the tray you open every day? In today's episode, we step into inspection and assembly where cleaned instruments are tested, examined, and built into the trays your OR depends on. This conversation with Kevin Anderson highlights why tray assembly is about far more than checking off a count sheet. From instrument function testing and damaged equipment to borescopes, insulation testing, and missing items, this episode reveals the science behind building a dependable tray. Listen now and gain a new appreciation for the work that happens before the tray reaches your...
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Sterile Processing 101: Decontam Deep Dive - What Happens After The Case Cart Leaves the Room
First Case Podcast
What really happens after your case cart leaves the OR? To find out, we're diving into decontam to discover the critical next step in the instrument reprocessing lifecycle. From point-of-use treatment to manual and mechanical cleaning, this episode unpacks what it actually takes to get instruments safe, clean, and ready for the next patient. Joined by Julie Gorog, OR nurse and Clinical Education Consultant with Advanced Sterilization Products, we explore why cleaning is the most crucial step in reprocessing, how biofilm forms faster than you think, and what OR teams can do to set sterile...
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Sterile Processing 101: Point of Use Treatment - The OR's Role in Sterile Processing
First Case Podcast
What happens to your instruments during the case matters more than you think. In this interview with Mike Matthews, we break down point-of-use treatment and why sterile processing actually starts in the OR, not decontam. From biofilm risk to instrument damage, this episode highlights how small actions during a case have big downstream consequences. This episode challenges the “not my problem” mindset and reinforces a critical truth: 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁-𝗼𝗳-𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 - 𝗶𝘁’𝘀...
info_outlineIn this week's episode, we take a practical look at the science behind sterilization with Bobby Parker from Beyond Clean. From steam cycles to low-temperature, this episode breaks down the different ways instruments are processed and discusses why each method matters.
You’re also going to gain a clearer understanding of indicators, sterility assurance, and why sterilization takes more time than many realize. But the more we understand the process, the better we can support patient safety and workflow efficiency.
#operatingroom #sterileprocessing #ornurse #scrubtech