Eligible for 1.0 contact hour | HSPA | CBSPD | RN |

Have you ever wondered whether it really matters if instruments are submerged in cleaning solution when you’re scrubbing them? What about the three-foot separation between dirty and clean areas? Do germs stop at the red line? We decided to take a look at the science behind guidelines for reducing risks associated with splashes in sterile processing and endoscopy departments. In this webinar, two researchers share stories about cases of real-world splashes that exposed healthcare personnel to infection or injury. They explain guidelines and IFU for minimizing splash and reducing contamination and exposure in the decontamination area. The researchers describe findings from a pilot project that explored the generation of splashes by various reprocessing activities using a novel approach to photographing where droplets land on surfaces and PPE. They also describe simple tools that can be used to detect splashes in real-world settings, and share strategies for assessing and managing splash risk and reducing personnel exposure in SPD and endoscopy units.

Eligible for 1.0 contact hour | HSPA | CBSPD | RN |

Soil, bioburden, biofilm… What does it mean for your sterile processing department? Biofilm adheres to surfaces, resists cleaning and disinfection efforts, and can foster antibiotic resistance. In this webinar, two presenters with expertise in epidemiology and microbiology explain the different types of residual organic debris that can be left behind due to inadequate reprocessing. They will discuss study findings and outbreak investigations and explore the possible roles of residual soil, damage, and retained moisture in biofilm development. Participants will learn how to develop and implement multifaceted policies and workflows to address factors contributing to biofilm formation in their departments.

Eligible for 1.0 contact hour | HSPA | CBSPD | RN |

This webinar describes methods for using borescopes, which are tools that can “scope the scope” to make sure ports and channels are clean and in good condition. Presenters will provide an introduction to the anatomy of various endoscope models and provide real-world photos and videos of brand-new scopes and defects observed during borescope exams. Participants will learn strategies for setting up a borescope program and responding to findings.

Eligible for 1.0 contact hour | HSPA | CBSPD | RN |

Numerous outbreaks and patient injuries have been linked to the use of contaminated and damaged bronchoscopes. Residual bioburden in bronchoscopes can also impact clinical lab results and cause patients to be treated for infections they may not have. Bronchoscopes are used and reprocessed by diverse personnel in numerous departments, which makes it challenging to ensure that reprocessing is done correctly every time—especially when bronchoscopes are used in emergency situations. This webinar explores factors that contribute to patient vulnerability and reprocessing effectiveness. The presenter will discuss insights from her research and recommendations for quality management strategies that participants can implement in their own institutions. This course is designed to provide clinicians, perioperative nurses, central service managers, and reprocessing personnel with information and resources that will enable them to evaluate and improve their bronchoscope reprocessing and maintenance programs.

Eligible for 1.0 contact hour | HSPA | CBSPD | RN |

New standards require cleaning verification tests for every high-risk endoscope, every time. This webinar discusses several types of cleaning verification tests and explains how to use them and interpret results. The presenters share their real-world experience using these tests with photos, videos, and case studies. Participants will learn strategies for setting up their own sustainable cleaning verification programs and using the findings to improve reprocessing outcomes.