What Is Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization? Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Hydrogen peroxide has long been used in the healthcare industry, and in the 1970s its vapor form became a low temperature sterilization technique that has only increased in popularity. In this article, we’ll explain how the hydrogen peroxide sterilization process works, including important federal guidelines to be aware of and potential challenges. What Is Low […] Tweet Like Share
7 Best Practices for Hospital Infection Control Written by: Arthur Trapotsis In the fight against infection, healthcare facilities have many preventative measures at their disposal. Together, these best practices form an infection control policy that aims to create safe environments in which patients can heal and recover after surgeries and other procedures. Read on to find out what they are and why each is important. What […] Tweet Like Share
The Top 9 Challenges Sterile Processing Departments Face Written by: Arthur Trapotsis There’s a reason why Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) are often referred to as “the heart of the hospital.” This is where all of a healthcare facility’s soiled surgical instruments and other devices go for cleaning and sterilization, ensuring they’ll be ready to use during future procedures. Additionally, the SPD plays a crucial role in maintaining […] Tweet Like Share
4 Key Impacts of Sterile Processing in Hospitals and ASCs Written by: Arthur Trapotsis In hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), sterile processing — the cleaning and sterilizing of soiled surgical instruments and other medical devices — is one of the most important functions for patient care. This process is so integral to the day-to-day operations of surgical facilities that many have dedicated sterile processing departments (SPDs) to ensure […] Tweet Like Share
4 Ways Technology Improves Patient Care in Hospitals & ASCs Written by: Arthur Trapotsis When you think about patient care, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s a team of doctors coming up with a course of treatment or a clinician providing emotional support for patients. While treatment plans and a warm bedside manner are both important, patient care encompasses much more. Today, technology plays an important part in providing […] Tweet Like Share
Medical Device Sterilization: 4 Alternatives to Ethylene Oxide Written by: Arthur Trapotsis With thanks to Emily Lorcheim of ClorDiSys Solutions for her contributions. Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is the man-made chemical that’s responsible for sterilizing roughly half of the medical equipment used in the U.S. today. The popularity of EtO as a sterilizing agent stems from its versatility — it’s compatible with a wide range of materials, highly […] Tweet Like Share
Autoclaves for Orthopedic Surgery: Best Practices to Follow Written by: Arthur Trapotsis In order to ensure patient safety and achieve successful surgical outcomes, orthopedic surgery centers (OSCs) need to sterilize all equipment — including implants — before use. As demand for total joint surgeries and outpatient procedures increases, so, too, does the total volume of implants, instruments, and other equipment that requires processing. Steam sterilization is one […] Tweet Like Share
Do You Need a Large Capacity Autoclave? [Or Do You Just Think You Do?] Written by: Arthur Trapotsis The definition of the word “large” can be subjective — what one person considers massive, another might find diminutive. In the world of steam sterilization, the commonly held wisdom is that any autoclave that requires a pit or is big enough to walk inside of, is considered a “large capacity autoclave” or a “bulk autoclave.” […] Tweet Like Share
Autoclaving Liquids: Ensure Sterility, Avoid the Burn Written by: Scott Mechler There are a number of concepts to be aware of when autoclaving liquid loads. We’ve covered the basics of liquid sterilization in this previous post, as well as challenges related to liquid boil-over. Many labs still struggle to achieve the correct balance between reliable sterility and damage to their products when it comes to liquid […] Tweet Like Share
CSS’ New Healthcare Autoclaves Are Full of Exciting Features Written by: Scott Mechler As of August 2, 2022, Consolidated Sterilizer Systems’ new line of healthcare steam sterilizers have received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — and we couldn’t be more excited. Designed and manufactured specifically for use in healthcare facilities, including hospital and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), our healthcare autoclaves (Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizer models […] Tweet Like Share
12.10.25 Introducing SterilSteam Sampler, The Steam Condensate Sampler for AAMI ST108 Compliance → Released in 2023, AAMI/ANSI ST108 establishes water quality requirements for water used in the cleaning, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices. In addition to these requirements, ST108 mandates quarterly testing of steam condensate quality to ensure incoming steam does not stain instruments or pose a risk to patient safety. To help healthcare facilities […]
11.6.25 AAMI ST108 & Critical Water for Autoclaves: What ASCs Need to Know → A major step forward in patient safety, ANSI/AAMI ST108 establishes new minimum water quality requirements for water used in the cleaning, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical devices. Despite providing guidance on water quality management for sterile processing, ST108 has also created confusion, especially regarding test protocols, water treatment, and critical water requirements. In […]
10.20.25 What Is an Autoclave Machine Really Used for? [Applications, Costs & More] → Autoclave machines are mission-critical equipment in a variety of industries, from healthcare to biotech, ensuring equipment and materials are sterilized and safe for use. Whether you’re considering purchasing an autoclave for a new facility, replacing a broken one, or expanding your current sterilization capacity, understanding the ins and outs of autoclave technology is key to […]
