Sterile Processing 101: Storage, Shelf Life, and Event-Related Sterility
Release Date: 05/18/2026
Special Episode Release - On Pathogens & PPE: Transporting Contaminated Instruments
First Case Podcast
A new season of First Case is on the way! In the meantime, we’re featuring a few episodes from our friends at Beyond Clean and Power Supply. Tune in today! From the OR to SPD, those contaminated instruments are on the move, and so are pathogens! In this Season 2 premiere of "On Pathogens & PPE," host Jill Holdsworth and co-host Nicholas Day are joined by Rebecca Lauber, Kendall Ashe, Adam Okada, and Crystal Heishman to break down what really happens when soiled instruments leave the OR and make their journey to decontam. From point-of-use pre-treatment and biofilm build-up to OSHA...
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Special Episode Release – Operate in Harmony - Compliance and Clarity Through Connected Technology
First Case Podcast
A new season of First Case is on the way! In the meantime, we’re featuring a few episodes from our friends at Beyond Clean and Power Supply. Tune in today! When case information, vendor requirements, and compliance data live in separate systems, even a small gap can create major delays. In Episode 2 of “Operate in Harmony,” Brendan Shaw from ReadySet and Jay McDonald from Green Security join us to explore how connected technology can bring greater clarity to the people, products, and processes supporting every surgical case. From linking EHR, ERP, scheduling, and vendor credentialing...
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Special Episode Release - Evidence Over Expense - What Really Matters When Evaluating UV Technology
First Case Podcast
A new season of First Case is on the way! In the meantime, we’re featuring a few episodes from our friends at Beyond Clean and Power Supply. Tune in today! Not all UV technologies are created equal, and for supply chain teams, knowing the difference leads to better purchasing decisions. In this episode of “Evidence Over Expense,” Dr. Sarah Simmons, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC, and Juan Gonzalez from Xenex help cut through the confusion and explain what healthcare organizations should really be looking for before investing in UV technology. From FDA authorization and product safety to service,...
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Special Episode Release - A Speck in Your Eye: Putting an End to the Finger-Pointing
First Case Podcast
A new season of First Case is on the way! In the meantime, we’re featuring a few episodes from our friends at Beyond Clean and Power Supply. Tune in today! Black specks may be small, but the tension they create between departments can be anything but. In this episode of “What the Speck?,” Alex Miseirvitch from Aesculap® joins us to talk about one of the most overlooked challenges in solving the black speck mystery—finger-pointing. When trays are rejected and surgeries are delayed, the pressure to find someone responsible can quickly overshadow the real goal: protecting patients and...
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Season 11 Rewind - Going Beyond Opioids: Discovering the Benefits of Music
First Case Podcast
A new season of First Case is coming soon! Until then, we’re bringing some Season 11 favorites back for another listen. Bob Marley once said, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” Everyone can recognize the power that music has. We’re drawn to it emotionally and spiritually, but we can also be affected by it physiologically. In today’s interview with Dr. Alice Cash, CEO & Founder, Surgical Serenity Solutions, we’re going to uncover the many ways that music can benefit surgical patients. As a clinical musicologist and researcher, Dr. Alice...
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Season 11 Rewind - Going Beyond Opioids: Implementing ERAS Pathways
First Case Podcast
A new season of First Case is coming soon! Until then, we’re bringing some Season 11 favorites back for another listen. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Pathways are changing the surgical experience for our patients. Our surgical patients are experiencing shorter lengths of stay, decreased postoperative pain, a more rapid return of bowel function, and decreased readmission rates. Joining us today to provide more insight into the implementation and benefits of ERAS pathways is Kim Duggan, Senior Director and ERAS Specialist at Pacira Biosciences. Tune in to hear Kim’s personal...
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Season 11 Rewind - Going Beyond Opioids: Redefining Pain Management
First Case Podcast
A new season of First Case is coming soon! Until then, we’re bringing some Season 11 favorites back for another listen. Are you ready for Season 11 to begin?? In this season, we’re “Going Beyond Opioids” and focusing on the opioid crisis and alternative pain management methods. And we’re kicking it off with none other than Orthopedic Surgeon and Opioid Sparing Advocate, Dr. Scott Sigman! Tune in as Dr. Sigman shares his personal experiences and insights into the devastating effects of the opioid crisis and find out what sparked his passion for opioid sparing techniques....
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Silo-Free Surgery: Beyond the Bundle: What IPs Need to See Before, During, and After Surgery
First Case Podcast
All season long, we've been breaking down the silos between the OR and Infection Prevention teams. So where do we go from here? In this "Silo-Free Surgery" season finale episode, Garrett Hollembeak and Lindsey Joyce are joined by Maureen Spencer and Peter Graves to talk about what it takes to turn collaboration into action. They discuss why effective SSI prevention means looking beyond policies and bundles to observe what's really happening before, during, and after surgery. From outdated policies and overlooked environmental risks to direct observation and surgical stewardship, Maureen and...
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Silo-Free Surgery: Say It, Don’t Delay It: Speaking Up to Prevent Surgical Site Infections
First Case Podcast
When something doesn't look right in the OR, do you have the confidence to speak up? In this episode of “Silo-Free Surgery,” Garrett Hollembeak sits down with certified surgical technologist, educator, and infection preventionist Julia Jackson to talk about the role surgical conscience plays in protecting patients and preventing surgical site infections. From protecting the sterile field to slowing down for a meaningful timeout and questioning something that doesn’t look right, Julia shares why doing the right thing in the moment matters, even when it isn't always easy. If you've ever...
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Silo-Free Surgery: PATOS Without the Panic: Understanding “Present at Time of Surgery” in SSI Surveillance
First Case Podcast
The OR sees one thing. Infection Prevention reports another. So who's right? In this episode of “Silo-Free Surgery,” hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Trey Morrow are joined by infection prevention expert Emily Barnard to tackle one of the trickier parts of SSI surveillance: PATOS, or "present at time of surgery." Emily breaks down the difference between clinical and surveillance definitions, why the right documentation matters, and how seemingly small details in the operative note can make all the difference in accurate SSI reporting. From wound classification to the very specific language...
info_outlineHow 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!
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