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Happy Sterile Processing Week 2026! 🎉 In this episode, we sit down with Sterile Processing Manager and HSPA President-Elect Sarah B. Cruz to talk about her journey into the industry, lessons she’s learned along the way, and advice for those just starting their careers in Sterile Processing.

When it comes to endoscope processing, the same challenges seem to appear again and again. So, how can teams identify where things may be going wrong? In this episode, we revisit Healthmark’s July webinar with Michael Matthews and break down the three T’s — Tools, Training, and Time — and how they can help uncover opportunities to improve endoscope reprocessing practices.

Kevin Anderson welcomes Cheron Rojo to the studio for a discussion on personal protective equipment (PPE) and the important role protective barrier materials play in healthcare settings. As a preview of his upcoming August CE webinar, Cheron provides an introduction to ANSI/AAMI PB70, the standard that classifies and evaluates the performance of protective apparel and barrier materials used throughout healthcare. During the conversation, Cheron explains the purpose and scope of the PB70 committee, highlights the key sections of the standard, and discusses how the 2022 revisions impact healthcare professionals. He also shares insights into ANSI/AAMI TIR11 and how it helps facilities interpret and implement PB70 guidance. Whether you're involved in sterile processing, infection prevention, or clinical operations, this episode offers a valuable preview of the concepts that will be explored in greater detail during the full webinar on August 20.

Have you ever wondered how research studies get started—or thought about investigating a challenge in your own sterile processing department? In this episode, Adam talks with Healthmark's Abby Smart about the fundamentals of research. They cover how to develop a research question, what goes into designing a quality study, and practical tips for getting started. Whether you're new to research or looking to make an evidence-based impact in your department, this episode is the perfect place to begin.

Kevin and Adam take a closer look at Healthmark's new AAMI Level 4 Decontamination Gown—and they're not just talking about it, they're wearing it too! The AAMI Level 4 Decontamination Gown is a full coverage gown designed specifically for the demands of sterile processing workflows, where exposure to fluids and strike-through risks are a daily concern. Tune in as they share their firsthand impressions, discuss key design features, and explore the importance of PPE that supports the daily challenges sterile processing professionals face. From comfort and mobility to fluid protection, Kevin and Adam provide practical insights into what sets this gown apart.

Are you thinking about the next step in your sterile processing career? In this episode, Kevin and Adam discuss their own experiences with career development and share practical ways to grow professionally through strategic planning, networking, and advanced certifications. Whether you are just getting started or looking to advance your role, this conversation offers insights to help support your journey in sterile processing.

Starting a business is never easy, especially in the specialized world of sterile processing and medical device reprocessing. In this episode, we talk with Nicole Simon of Simon Sterilization Solutions about her journey launching a new business, navigating the product development process, and her advice for aspiring sterile processing entrepreneurs.  Whether you’re interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, or the future of SPD, this conversation offers practical insights and real-world experience from someone building in the field today.

Sterile processing inspection is critical to ensuring patient safety—and small issues can easily be missed without the right approach. Healthmark’s Cheron Rojo dives into key findings from recent studies on the inspection of shavers, rigid endoscopes, and light cables. What does the data reveal about common inspection challenges, and are you using the right tools and techniques to catch hidden issues? In this episode, we break down practical insights to help sterile processing professionals improve inspection accuracy, strengthen processes, and protect patients.

In this episode, we explore a real challenge facing many endoscopy departments: how do you properly store a 6½-foot enteroscope in a 6-foot cabinet? Join Mary Ann Drosnock, PhD as she explains what enteroscopes are, the unique challenges associated with processing, drying, and storage, and what manufacturer guidance recommends for best practice. If you work in endoscopy or sterile processing, this episode provides practical insight into managing long enteroscopes while maintaining compliance and protecting patient safety.

Have questions about endoscope reprocessing? Kevin and Adam sit down with Dr. Mary Ann Drosnock and Dyan Darga, our endoscopy experts, to answer the hottest endo questions and discuss the latest trends in endoscope reprocessing. Perfect for SPD teams, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in safe, effective endoscopy practices!

Cheron Rojo has found some interesting data on our light guide cables; essential pieces for viewing a surgical site during laparoscopic procedures; and the data isn’t good.  In this episode, you’ll learn what percentage of light guide cables were determined to be failing or deficient, the reason for those deficiencies, and most importantly, some helpful advice on what we can do to fix it.

Legendary sterile processing educator Stephen Kovach is learning something new in retirement—artificial intelligence. In this episode, we talk with Steve about his new AI passion project and how AI can be used to simplify data reporting, address water quality and spotting issues, and support smarter staffing decisions, including the value of employing newly certified technicians. As always, it’s a fun and insightful conversation with an industry legend.

What is a competency? Why do we need them? And how do we get started creating them? For new leaders in sterile processing, these are some of the most important questions to ask. Competency development is a required element in sterile processing departments and a critical building block of a well-run department. In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of competency development and share practical tips and tools to help you build and implement effective competencies in your department.

Can something as small as lint affect patient safety in the operating room? In this episode, Dr. Wava Truscott shares her detailed research on lint and its role in the perioperative process. We’ll explore how dust and lint particles could influence patient recovery—and what steps can be taken to reduce these risks.

In this episode, Adam is joined by Amy DeGraw, HSPA Clinical Educator, to discuss why recognizing Sterile Processing professionals shouldn’t be limited to one week a year. They explore how ongoing appreciation impacts mental health, strengthens department culture, and share practical ideas to help your SP team feel valued every day.