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While we get ready for the next season of the Transmission Control Podcast, we're featuring episodes from Beyond Clean's "What the Speck?" series, sponsored by Aesculap. Enjoy! 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 again 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 solving the issue together. Alex shares lessons from the field on how teams can move past blame and work together to find real solutions. Because when everyone is focused on proving who's right, it becomes a lot harder to solve what's actually wrong. Tune in today! A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series! #TransmissionControl #BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

While we get ready for the next season of the Transmission Control Podcast, we're featuring episodes from Beyond Clean's "What the Speck?" series, sponsored by Aesculap. Enjoy! When black specks show up in your trays, water is often the first suspect—but is it really to blame? In this episode of "What the Speck?," Christian Abell from Aesculap's Surgical Asset Management team dives into one of the most common theories behind the black speck mystery: water quality. From city water changes and construction disturbances to failing filters and aging equipment, Christian breaks down how contaminants can make their way from the pipes into your reprocessing workflows. If you've ever suspected the culprit might be hiding somewhere in your water system, the trail of clues may lead straight to the pipes. A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series! #TransmissionControl #BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

While we get ready for the next season of the Transmission Control Podcast, we're featuring episodes from Beyond Clean's "What the Speck?" series, sponsored by Aesculap. Enjoy! Behind every black speck is a process, a piece of equipment, or a hidden culprit waiting to be discovered. In this episode of "What the Speck?," SPD professional and consultant Warren Nist joins us to discuss how departments can move beyond identifying debris and begin uncovering the root cause behind it. From quality reports and workflow data to full department risk assessments, Warren walks through how experienced SPD teams track contamination back to its source. We also uncover some surprising culprits—from worn equipment components to debris hiding inside washers, carts, and even on hospital floors. If your team is trying to connect the dots and eliminate the problem for good, this episode offers a practical roadmap for getting there. A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series! #TransmissionControl #BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

While we get ready for the next season of the Transmission Control Podcast, we're featuring episodes from Beyond Clean's "What the Speck?" series, sponsored by Aesculap. Enjoy! When a black speck shows up in a surgical tray, the first question is simple: "What is it?" But as many Sterile Processing teams discover, the answer is anything but straightforward. On this episode of "What the Speck?," global reprocessing expert Dr. Gerhard Kirmse from Aesculap joins us to explore the science of identifying this pesky, unidentified debris and to tackle the question at the center of the mystery: "What exactly is a black speck?" From microscopic analysis and lab testing to on-site investigations inside washers, sterilizers, and steam systems, Dr. Kirmse explains how experts piece together the clues to uncover the real source behind these particles. Tune in to discover how science, collaboration, and a little detective work come together to solve one of SPD's most frustrating mysteries. A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series! #TransmissionControl #BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

While we get ready for the next season of the Transmission Control Podcast, we're featuring episodes from Beyond Clean's What the Speck? series, sponsored by Aesculap. Enjoy! Every #CleanFreak has seen them at least once—those mysterious black specks appearing in surgical trays with no clear explanation. But are they just a nuisance… or a warning sign of something bigger? In Episode 1 of our brand-new podcast series "What the Speck?," host Bobby Parker welcomes Alex Miseirvitch, Senior Product Manager for Rigid Sterile Containers at Aesculap®, to explore the mystery—and real challenges—behind unidentified debris in sterile trays. From potential patient safety risks to the operational strain of tray contamination and case delays, these tiny particles can create ripple effects across the entire surgical workflow. If your team has ever asked, "What is this—and where did it come from?" this episode is the perfect place to start! A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series! #TransmissionControl #BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

Fungi are everywhere, but in healthcare, they're often an afterthought. In this episode of Transmission Control, we sit down with internationally recognized medical mycologist Malcolm Richardson to explore the hidden role fungal pathogens play in patient safety. From Aspergillus lurking in dust, ventilation systems, and water-damaged environments to the growing challenge of antifungal resistance, the conversation sheds light on risks that rarely make it into everyday infection prevention discussions. Drawing on more than 50 years of experience in clinical and environmental mycology, Malcolm explains why fungal threats deserve a seat at the infection prevention table, how healthcare facilities can reduce airborne fungal risk, and where current surveillance methods fall short. The episode also looks ahead to emerging technologies that could transform air quality monitoring from a reactive exercise into a proactive patient safety strategy.   If bacteria and viruses dominate the conversation, this episode asks an important question: What are we missing by overlooking fungi? #TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Pathogens #Mycology #Fungi #Aspergillus #Bacteria #AirbornRisks #Technology #Monitoring #PatientSafety #Safety

A new season of Transmission Control is on the horizon! Until then, enjoy a few favorites from the archives. Given the rising concerns of endoscope-related infections around the country, organizations, agencies, and providers believed it was imperative to evaluate the current literature and standards for endoscope reprocessing. Joining us for this week's episode of Transmission Control, Dr. Raman Muthusamy joins Dr. Lawrence Muscarella and Justin Poulin to discuss the critical updates made to the Multisociety Guidelines for Reprocessing Flexible GI Scopes in the early 2021. These updates have helped to reduce confusion about how to navigate conflicting industry guidelines and recommendations from various organizations, but ongoing updates are necessary as the industry continues to explore the many factors that have resulted in "superbug" outbreaks.  Dr. Raman Muthusamy has been front and center in this conversation, is co-author of the multisociety guideline document. In this interview he shares his knowledge of the recent updates to the guidelines (such as facility based risk assessments), the discussion around sterilization versus high level disinfection, and standards of care that are population based rather than universal. To subscribe to the Transmission Control podcast and catch our future episodes releasing every other week visit: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1570808792 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jpO4r4RvFIfoMVcx7yln2?si=x_pDH2EjTLClpgNT2TC67w Or follow us on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Transmission-Control-103851988489519 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/ #GI #Endoscopes #Guidelines #Multi-Society #SuperBug #Outbreaks #FlexibleScopes #TransmissionControl #Podcast #Education #IPT #InfectionPrevention #InfectionControl #Infection #PublicHealth #Healthcare

A new season of Transmission Control is on the horizon! Until then, enjoy a few favorites from the archives. Endoscope drying times and the use of an alcohol rinse has become an area for debate and emerging research is increasing with each passing day.  Advanced inspection technology such as borescopes and the development of ATP testing offer additional measures to evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning the small diameter working channels of flexible scopes. On this episode of Transmission Control, Nancy Robinson, Ph.D, and Tamara Behm, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, CER, CQIA, CCSVP, from STERIS Infection Prevention Technologies join hosts Justin Poulin and Dr. Larry Muscarella to discuss recent research that was published in the American Journal of Infection Control.  We explore current standards and put them up against real world application, discovering gaps and outline some potential changes to increase compliance and patient safety.  Our guests also explain the impact that channel design and air pressure have on the drying process and the pros and cons of using and alcohol flush. If you're involved with endoscopes, you'll want to be involved in this episode!  To subscribe to the Transmission Control podcast and catch our future episodes releasing every other week visit: Apple Podcasts -> http://bit.ly/TCPod-Apple Amazon Podcasts -> http://bit.ly/ TCPod-Amazon Google Podcasts -> http://bit.ly/TCPod-Google iHeartRadio -> http://bit.ly/TCPod-iHeartRadio Spotify -> http://bit.ly/TCPod-Spotify Stitcher -> http://bit.ly/TCPod-Stitcher #FlexibleScope #GI #Gastrointestinal #WorkingChannels #Cleaning #DryTime #SuperBugs #IP #IC #TransmissionControl #Podcast #Education #IPT #InfectionPrevention #InfectionControl #Infection #PublicHealth #Healthcare

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 Peter challenge teams to bring the right people to the table and take shared ownership of safer surgical care. The season may be ending, but the work of breaking down silos is just getting started. Tune in today! Thanks for tuning in to "Silo-Free Surgery!" We'll see you soon for another season of the Transmission Control and First Case podcasts. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #SafeSurgery #Collaboration #SSIPrevention #Policies

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 hesitated to speak up in the OR, this episode is a powerful reminder of why your voice matters. Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #PatientSafety #Timeout #SpeakingUp #SurgicalConscience

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 behind PATOS criteria, this conversation shows why OR and IP teams need a shared understanding of what they're seeing and documenting. If PATOS has ever caused confusion in your facility, this conversation is for you! Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #PATOS #SurgicalSafety #Documentation #Reporting

Every day, healthcare teams rely on IFUs to get the job done. But how often do we stop to think about how they actually come together? In this week's special season co-release episode, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Alpa Patel to take a closer look at why manufacturers' instructions for use play such an important role in preventing surgical site infections. Drawing on decades of experience in reprocessing validation, Alpa explains how IFUs are developed, why they don't always fit real clinical workflows, and what manufacturers can learn from the frontline teams using them every day. If you've ever found yourself asking, "Why does the IFU say that?" or "Who writes these things?" this episode has the answers! Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #IFU #SSI #Prevention #Validation #InstrumentReprocessing #Workflows

The pace may be different, but the goal is exactly the same: delivering safe surgical care. In this week's special season co-release episode, we talk with Carlene Smith about what surgical site infection prevention looks like in ambulatory surgery centers. As someone who's worked in Sterile Processing, Infection Prevention, and the OR, Carlene shares her unique perspective on the challenges ASC teams face every day. From balancing limited resources and shared responsibilities to identifying small gaps before they become bigger problems, she discusses how ASC teams can stay proactive while keeping patient safety at the center of every workflow. No matter where surgical care happens, this conversation is a reminder that infection prevention starts with strong teamwork. Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SterileProcessing #Collaboration #AmbulatorySurgeryCenter #ASC

Could the biggest opportunities to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) be the ones you've stopped noticing? In this week's special season co-release episode, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Crystal Heishman for a conversation about seeing SSI prevention through a different lens. With experience spanning Infection Prevention, Sterile Processing, and the Operating Room, Crystal shares how stronger collaboration can help teams identify risks before they affect patient safety. She explains why spending time in the OR, asking thoughtful questions, and understanding workflows builds trust, uncovers hidden opportunities for improvement, and helps teams focus on process deviations -- not "gotcha" moments. If stronger collaboration starts with stronger conversations, this episode offers practical ideas you can take back to your next huddle. Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SterileProcessing #Collaboration #Trust #ProcessImprovement #Podcast

What keeps you up at night when it comes to preventing surgical site infections (SSIs)? In this week's special season co-release episode, Jeremy Gibson-Roark returns to join hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Lindsey Joyce for a conversation about moving from reactive investigations to proactive prevention. Together, they explore why infection prevention plans should be living documents, how stronger collaboration between OR and IP teams uncovers risks before they become problems, and why some of the best ideas come from simply asking frontline teams the right questions. If preventing SSIs starts with working together, this conversation shows how stronger partnerships can lead to safer patient care! If you missed Part 1 of this conversation, tune in here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/transmissioncontrol/TC_Ep5_1.mp3 Make sure to follow Transmission Control and First Case on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode! #TransmissionControl #FirstCase #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #Prevention #Education #Podcast