Beyond Clean Podcast

Think water is just water? Not in Sterile Processing! In this episode of "On Pathogens & PPE," host Jill Holdsworth and co-host Aaron Preston are joined by water quality experts Shane Sullivan and Jeffrey Paquet to break down why water quality matters and what the ST108 standard means for your SPD. Together, they explore key concepts like utility water vs. critical water and dig into what RO, DI, and UV systems actually do behind the scenes of instrument reprocessing. Tune in to learn how to recognize early warning signs of water quality issues and why building a strong water management team can help your facility stay ahead of potential problems. Because when it comes to keeping instruments clean and patients safe, water quality matters more than you think! Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you're in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference! New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible. #BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves

Season 32 launches on April 6th. In the meantime, enjoy this rewind episode from season 20 of Beyond Clean! When you're working in sterile processing, PPE gowns are more than a fashion statement. Are you dressed to the nines? Is your protective equipment in a class of their own? And most importantly, do your gowns match your shoe covers? Season 20 of the Beyond Clean podcast, "Armed & (Compliantly) Dangerous," is all about personal protective equipment (PPE) and in this episode we discuss how the fit and function of decontamination gowns can be a significant factor in keeping you safe. Keicha Brock is the CEO of Eyes to See Management and Consulting and brings her by-the-book and hands on expertise to this conversation. Keicha gives us a run down on the finer points of gowns, and helps us understand their class, level, and critical zones of protection. Whether you are in SPD leadership, or working as a frontline technician, knowing more about the barrier between you and bacteria will help make sure you are dressed for the occasion. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode20-02 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access 350+ FREE CE credits and #KeepFightingDirty!

Robotic surgery is a game-changer for patient care — but what does that mean for the teams responsible for safely reprocessing these complex instruments? In this episode of "On Pathogens & PPE," hosts Jill Holdsworth and Rebecca Alvino are joined by Rebecca Peplau, Vanessa Frank, and Tamara Behm to tackle the most common challenges of robotic instrument reprocessing. From sinks that are too small and complex IFUs to flushing challenges and drying dilemmas, these experts break down what it truly takes to safely reprocess these intricate devices. Tune in to learn which quality checks matter most, why OR point-of-use care is critical, and how collaboration can help your team #FightDirty with confidence. Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you're in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference! New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible. #BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

Season 32 launches on April 6th. In the meantime, enjoy this rewind episode from season 20 of Beyond Clean! Of all of the songs on your Decontam playlist, "As Cold as Ice" isn't likely to be one of them. Under layers of gowns, masks, face shields and other PPE, the temperature in your decontamination areas can skyrocket, presenting a real risk to engagement and even employee safety. Season 20 of the Beyond Clean Podcast is all about personal protective equipment (PPE) and in this debut episode we discuss how one team used collaboration and innovation to help address one of the most common barriers in Decontam. Join Vanessa Cavanaugh, SPD Educator, LaShonda Rhodes, Advanced Medical Supply Technician, and Shannon Stankinas, Advanced Medical Supply Technician, as we discuss a proactive approach that brought together leaders from Central Sterile, the Operating Room, and frontline technicians. They'll share with us how they innovated an existing piece of PPE and walk us through the process of trialing a new solution. If you want to reduce the risk of employees in decontam becoming soiled by splashes or burned out from burning up, this is the episode for you. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode20-01 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access 350+ FREE CE credits and #KeepFightingDirty!

Behind every sterilized instrument is a dedicated MDR professional. So, how do we support these professionals who make surgery possible every single day? On this season finale of Beyond Clean Canada, hosts Barry and Stacey sit down with the Canadian Association of Medical Device Reprocessing (CAMDR) President, Danny LeBlanc, and Secretary, Stephanie Mailman-Crouse, to explore how CAMDR is building community and elevating the profession from coast to coast. Danny shares his journey through the MDR career ladder and why mentorship matters, while Stephanie breaks down how communication and engagement build pride within reprocessing teams. You'll also hear Stephanie's personal story connecting her professional passion to her own patient experience. Plus, get the inside scoop on the 2026 CAMDR Conference coming to St. John's! As we close out this season, this episode brings together everything that makes Canada's MDR profession special. Tune in now! A special shout-out to Solventum for sponsoring Season 3 of the Beyond Clean Canada Podcast! Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook so you're always in the loop for every episode! #BeyondCleanCanada #MDR #SterileProcessing #Sterilization #Season3 #Education #CAMDR #Community #MDRProfessionals

Hey #CleanFreaks, pop quiz: When's the last time you washed your hands on the clean side, and should you have? On this episode of "On Pathogens & PPE," host Jill Holdsworth, co-host Rebecca Alvino, and special guests Ebow Holdbrook-Smith and Ivan Gowe dive into the gray areas of when, where, and how SPD staff should be performing hand hygiene. From identifying the critical transition points where hands need to be cleaned to understanding why your decontam sink is off-limits for handwashing, these IP experts tackle what's missing in current guidance and how to build better hand hygiene practices into your workflow. So grab your hand sanitizer and tune in—because keeping your hands clean keeps everyone safe! Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you're in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference! New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible. #BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast #HandHygiene *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

Picture this: your steam goes down on a busy Tuesday morning. Cases are booked, patients are waiting, and your sterilizers won't run. What's your team's first move? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we sit down with Jennifer Greisen from Aesculap to tackle one of SPD's most uncomfortable questions: what do you do when your department can't sterilize instruments, and the clock is ticking? With decades of experience in offsite reprocessing and disaster recovery, Jennifer walks us through how true disaster preparedness begins long before the crisis hits. From real-world scenarios like water loss and boiler failures to what strong SPD leadership looks like in those first critical hours, this conversation explores response and recovery when everything is on the line. In this final episode of the season, we bring together everything we've learned about steam sterilization and challenge you to ask: how prepared is your department really? After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-08 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. 🎉What a season! Thanks to our #CleanFreaks for coming along for the ride and to our awesome guests for making it possible. Season 32 is just around the corner--stay tuned! #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season31 #UnderPressure #SteamSterilization #SteamFailure #ResponsePlanning

Big news from ONE TRAY®! On this Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight™ episode, we're joined by Tim Tzimas, newly appointed President & CEO of ONE TRAY®/IST, along with Barbara Ann Harmer, Vice President of Clinical Services, to share two major ONE TRAY® announcements. Listen in to learn more about Tim's story and what inspired him to take the helm of ONE TRAY/IST. Also learn about ONE TRAY®'s secondary FDA clearance: 365-day event-related shelf life/storage period with a 15-minute minimum dry time. What does that mean for your SPD? Tune in to find out! To learn more and to virtually meet Tim, visit onetray.com/newceo, and for more information on ONE TRAY®'s second FDA clearance, visit onetray.com/ifucomparison. Don't forget to stay connected on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates! ------ Condoc 754 Rev 00. Follow one of the following IFUs for use: K052567* and K250029**. *Reference 510k summary- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K052567 **Reference 510k summary- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K250029

Building an MDR career is one thing. But leading education for an entire province? That's a whole different challenge. On this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, Stacey and Barry sit down with Tiffany Church, Clinical Educator for Medical Device Reprocessing across Nova Scotia Health, to hear how she took on that exact challenge head-on. Tiffany shares her journey from technician to provincial educator and walks us through what it actually takes to support 300 technicians across 17 sites—from building standardized education and mentorship programs to creating accountability systems that work across an entire province. Whether you're working in MDR education, curious about mandatory certification coming to Canada, or just want to understand what it takes to support technicians across multiple sites, this conversation delivers the insights you need! A special shout-out to Solventum for sponsoring Season 3 of the Beyond Clean Canada Podcast! Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook so you're always in the loop for every episode! #BeyondCleanCanada #MDR #SterileProcessing #Sterilization #Season3 #Education #Certification #MDREducation

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 requirements and AAMI standards, this crew digs into what it really means to move biohazards safely through your facility. Because soil transport isn't just about getting instruments from A to B -- it's about protecting everyone they pass along the way! Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you're in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference! New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible. #BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

You depend on steam every single day to keep your SPD moving. So, when steam issues shut down your sterilizers, who you gonna call? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we sit down with Jim Carlock, Regional Director of Sterile Processing for Mercy, to talk about why your relationship with facilities management might be the most important partnership for your SPD. Jim walks us through how steam is generated, treated, and delivered to your department, what can go wrong along the way, and why building a relationship with your boiler operator before problems happen can save your department when steam issues strike. Whether you're troubleshooting steam issues or just want to understand the system powering your sterilizers, Jim breaks down everything you need to know about who and what keeps steam flowing in your SPD. Trust us, this is one episode you don't want to miss #CleanFreaks! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-07 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season31 #UnderPressure #SteamSterilization #FacilitiesManagement #Steam #Boilers

Technical skills might get you in the door, but what does it actually take to build a lasting career in medical device reprocessing? On this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, Stacey and Barry are joined by Alberta MDR professionals Colleen Penman and Luke Siewert to talk about their journeys into MDR and what it takes to thrive in one of Western Canada's busiest hospitals. From navigating complex instrumentation and high-volume surgical environments to understanding certification pathways and evolving technology, Colleen and Luke break down what it really takes to build a successful career in MDR. Whether you're exploring MDR career pathways or want to understand the challenges facing the profession, this conversation has the insights you need! A special shout-out to Solventum for sponsoring Season 3 of the Beyond Clean Canada Podcast! Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook so you're always in the loop for every episode! #BeyondCleanCanada #MDR #SterileProcessing #Sterilization #Season3 #ProfessionalDevelopment #Certification #CareerPathways

Where are Canada's dental sterilization standards headed next? In this series finale of "Sterilization Standards Unpacked," we're joined by Leeanne Ismail, Clinical Sterilization Specialist at Solventum, to look ahead at the future of dental reprocessing. From digital traceability and rapid-read BIs to maintenance programs and smarter tracking tools, Leeanne shares how technology is reshaping safety and accountability in clinics across Canada. She also highlights the push toward more consistent expectations between provinces—and what that means for teams trying to keep up. If you've been wondering what the "next chapter" of dental sterilization could look like, this conversation connects the dots! This 5-part series pulls back the curtain on how Canadian dental teams are translating sterilization standards into real-world practice—one guideline, one cycle, one patient at a time. With each episode, we'll explore the people, processes, and evolving expectations driving dental sterilization forward. It's not about compliance checklists—it's about connection, clarity, and conversations that make the technical feel personal. A special thanks to our sponsor, Solventum Medical, for supporting this podcast series! #BeyondClean #Solventum #SterilizationStandardsUnpacked #DentalSterilization #SterileProcessing #BI #Technology #Innovation

Wet packs happen in every department. But how much do we really know about what causes them? This week on Beyond Clean, Jason Simon, Senior Product Manager at Skytron, is back to break down why wet packs happen and what you can do to help prevent them. Jason breaks down what's happening during the drying phase, why some loads fail to dry, and how operator practices, loading decisions, and equipment all work together to create or prevent wet packs. From cracked doors and extended dry times to vacuum systems and steam quality, this conversation tackles one of SPD's most frustrating challenges. Whether you're constantly fighting wet loads or just want to understand what makes the drying phase work, this episode delivers the practical solutions you need! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-06 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season31 #UnderPressure #SteamSterilization #WetPacks #Sterilization #DryTimes #SteamQuality

Ever wonder how personal experience shapes the way we approach education and patient safety in MDR? In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, Stacey Gielen and Barry Pickrem sit down with Lisa McKown, Manager of Research and Development at Beyond Clean, to discuss education, innovation, and what it takes to drive change in medical device reprocessing. Lisa shares her journey from the frontline to leadership and doctoral research, and how personal experience fuels her commitment to quality and patient safety. She also breaks down how Beyond Clean is approaching education differently—through Microcredentials and experiential learning. Whether you're interested in the future of MDR education or just want to hear about the power of mentorship and doing things differently, this episode delivers! If you're interested in learning more about Beyond Clean's Microcredential opportunities, check out their website: https://beyondcleanmedia.com/sp-microcredential/ A special shout-out to Solventum for sponsoring Season 3 of the Beyond Clean Canada Podcast! Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook so you're always in the loop for every episode! #BeyondCleanCanada #BeyondClean #MDR #SterileProcessing #Sterilization #Season3 #Education #Microcredential #Innovation #EducatingDifferently

Sterilization standards look a lot different on paper than they do in the middle of a busy clinic day. That gap between policy and practice is the focus of this episode of "Sterilization Standards Unpacked," where host Sarah B. Cruz sits down with Nova Scotia Registered Dental Assistant Melissa Arnold to walk through what CSA-driven workflows actually look like in a typical dental office. From daily BI tests and load logs to cycle printouts, recalls, and patient traceability, Melissa shares how her team turned expectations into consistent habits. If your clinic is trying to move beyond "we've always done it this way," this conversation shows what it really takes to build a safer, more reliable sterilization process. This 5-part series pulls back the curtain on how Canadian dental teams are translating sterilization standards into real-world practice—one guideline, one cycle, one patient at a time. With each episode, we'll explore the people, processes, and evolving expectations driving dental sterilization forward. It's not about compliance checklists—it's about connection, clarity, and conversations that make the technical feel personal. A special thanks to our sponsor, Solventum Medical, for supporting this podcast series! #BeyondClean #Solventum #SterilizationStandardsUnpacked #DentalSterilization #SterileProcessing #CSAStandards #BI #Recall #Sterilization #Workflows

You load trays and hit start on your steam sterilizer dozens of times a day. But do you actually know what's happening inside that chamber once the door closes? This week, we sit down with Jason Simon, Senior Product Manager at Skytron, to break down how steam sterilizers actually work—from air removal and steam jackets to exposure phases and drying cycles. Jason walks us through the critical role utilities play in sterilizer performance, why just buying new equipment won't fix steam quality problems, and what all those numbers on your cycle printouts actually mean. Whether you're troubleshooting persistent wet packs or just want to understand what's happening behind that steel door, this conversation delivers the technical knowledge you need to make smarter sterilizer decisions! This conversation isn't over! Part 2 with Jason drops next Monday—don't miss it! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-05 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season31 #UnderPressure #SteamSterilization #SteamJackets #SteamExposure #Performance #WetPacks

What really happens at the microscopic level when we talk about "clean" in dental sterilization? In this episode of "Sterilization Standards Unpacked," host Sarah B. Cruz is joined by Dr. Atila Nozari, Senior Medical Liaison at Solventum, to connect the science of microbiology with the day-to-day realities of instrument reprocessing in dental practices. From bioburden and biofilm to the evidence behind modern sterilization standards, Dr. Nozari helps demystify the "why" behind the guidelines teams are being asked to follow. Whether you're brushing up on CSA standards or trying to connect policy with practice, this conversation bridges the gap between following a guideline "just because" and understanding the science that stands behind it. This 5-part series pulls back the curtain on how Canadian dental teams are translating sterilization standards into real-world practice—one guideline, one cycle, one patient at a time. With each episode, we'll explore the people, processes, and evolving expectations driving dental sterilization forward. It's not about compliance checklists—it's about connection, clarity, and conversations that make the technical feel personal. A special thanks to our sponsor, Solventum Medical, for supporting this podcast series! #BeyondClean #Solventum #SterilizationStandardsUnpacked #DentalSterilization #SterileProcessing #Bioburden #Biofilm #Standards #InstrumentReprocessing

Weight limits exist for every sterilizer and every tray that goes into it. But what happens when those limits get overlooked in the daily rush? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we sit down with Sterile Processing educator Carol Malone to explore what really drives safe sterilizer loading. From discovering chamber capacity limits you might not know about to creating visual controls that help your team stay compliant, Carol walks us through practical strategies for managing both in-house and vendor tray weights. Whether you're optimizing your current processes or just want to understand how these limits protect patients and your equipment, this conversation delivers the solutions you need to strengthen your sterilization practices! After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode31-04 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season31 #UnderPressure #SteamSterilization #WeightLimits #SterilizationChamber #SurgicalTrays

Dental clinics may be small, but the expectations for safe, consistent sterilization are anything but. In this episode of "Sterilization Standards Unpacked," Warren Hiller joins us to explore how CSA Z314, Health Canada, and provincial guidelines come together to shape dental reprocessing across provinces. From dental assistants juggling sterilization tasks to the growing requirements for certified MDR techs, Warren shares how standards, competencies, and documentation are changing the game for oral surgery and dental teams alike. If your team is trying to keep up with evolving standards while still getting through the day's busy schedule, this episode gives you the insight and direction to take your next step with confidence! This 5-part series pulls back the curtain on how Canadian dental teams are translating sterilization standards into real-world practice—one guideline, one cycle, one patient at a time. With each episode, we'll explore the people, processes, and evolving expectations driving dental sterilization forward. It's not about compliance checklists—it's about connection, clarity, and conversations that make the technical feel personal. A special thanks to our sponsor, Solventum Medical, for supporting this podcast series! #BeyondClean #Solventum #SterilizationStandardsUnpacked #DentalSterilization #SterileProcessing #Documentation #DentalTeams #MDRTech #Competency