Youtube Series

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.

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#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

From the drawing board to the operating room, every detail in endoscope design matters! In Episode 2 of our new podcast series “Safe & Sterile Endoscopes,” ASP’s Khoi Pham and Tamara Beehler join us for an insider’s look at the science behind endoscope design, functionality, and innovation. From cutting-edge materials to automated systems, they reveal how modern endoscope designs are solving complex challenges while prioritizing patient care and safety. With firsthand insights and a glimpse into the prototypes shaping the future, this episode will change how you view these critical devices. Step into the next era of endoscope design – tune in now!

This dynamic 6-part series explores the critical world of endoscope innovation, design, and safety. Each episode will feature insights from industry leaders and clinical experts who are transforming the way we approach scope safety and sterility. From frontline technicians to department leaders, this series will equip your team with powerful strategies to transform your reprocessing workflows!

A special thanks to our sponsor, Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), for making this series possible! Their commitment to education and quality in endoscope care has been instrumental in bringing this series to life.

#BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #ASP #Endoscopes #SterileProcessing #ScopeSafety #Podcast

*This episode is not approved for CE Credit.

Buckle up, #EndoscopeEnthusiasts! We’re kicking off our exclusive new series, “Safe & Sterile Endoscopes,” sponsored by ASP, with an exciting look at the history and innovation of modern endoscopes. This week, Dr. Klaus Mergener, a GI physician and internationally recognized expert in gastroenterology and endoscopy, takes us back to where it all began – exploring the evolution from rigid steel tubes and simple designs to today’s high-tech medical devices that play a critical role in patient care. Tune in to discover how early innovators transformed challenges into breakthroughs – and why understanding the past is key to advancing the future of endoscope reprocessing and patient safety. Press play and join us today!

This dynamic 6-part series explores the critical world of endoscope innovation, design, and safety. Each episode will feature insights from industry leaders and clinical experts who are transforming the way we approach scope safety and sterility. From frontline technicians to department leaders, this series will equip your team with powerful strategies to transform your reprocessing workflows!

A special thanks to our sponsor, Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), for making this series possible! Their commitment to education and quality in endoscope care has been instrumental in bringing this series to life.

#TransmissionControl #BeyondClean #ASP #Endoscopes #SterileProcessing #ScopeSafety #Podcast

Welcome to the second video in another three part series with Justin and Larry as they tackle gastroscope safety signals! This video expands on the topic and gives insight into what the potential risks are…

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

Welcome to final video in another three part series with Justin and Larry as they tackle gastroscope safety signals! This video is a recap on the topic that wraps everything up and gives you advice on how to handle this potential issue in the future…

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

Welcome back to this three part series on Candida auris! In this episode Larry and Justin tackle the conversation on identifying potential underlying causes to try and find some ways to prevent this from spreading!

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

Welcome to the final installment of this three part series about Candida auris! In the episode Justin and Larry wrap everything up by talking about corrective action that can be used to mitigate the spread of this deadly fungus!

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

Welcome to the start of another three part series with Justin and Larry as they tackle gastroscope safety signals! This first video is an overview on the topic that sets the scene for the rest of this series…

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

In the first installment of this three part mini video series, Larry and Justin discuss gastroscopes and potential infection risks associated with them, specifically looking at how repurposing these instruments might put patients at risk for E. coli infections.

Want to see more? Check out our LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#infectionprevention #TransmissionControl

In this eye-opening interview, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Scott Mader, President and CEO of AseptiScope, to discuss the often-overlooked risks of contaminated stethoscopes in healthcare settings. Scott Mader, a pioneer in infection control innovation, shares invaluable insights into how AseptiScope is addressing this critical issue. The conversation delves into the hidden dangers of stethoscope contamination in hospitals and clinics, highlighting a study published in the Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology journal, which used next-generation sequencing to profile bacterial populations on stethoscopes in an ICU. The study found that practitioner stethoscopes were significantly contaminated with a diverse community of bacteria, including nosocomial pathogens such as Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter.

The importance of infection control in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is underscored, as well as future innovations in medical device cleanliness. Scott Mader’s expertise in clinical innovation and infection control makes this a must-watch for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in medical technology advancements. Don’t miss this informative discussion on a crucial aspect of patient and clinician safety.

Stay connected with Transmission Control on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#InfectionControl #PatientSafety #MedicalInnovation #HealthcareTechnology

Transmission Control is excited to launch a new series of interviews with key thought leaders in public health. For those guided by the adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” this series dives deep into the methodologies and strategies experts use to safeguard community health. When an individual goes into the hospital, there is an array of tests, scans, and exams that will clue their care team into what may be wrong. Allie Piatkowski, Senior Public Health Consultant with the Moxley Group is an expert in the diagnostic process for communities.

In this interview, Allie Piatkowski and Garrett Hollembeak shed light on the crucial practices for effectively investigating and evaluating community health data. They emphasize the importance of clear communication in driving meaningful change and preventing infections. Discover the transformative power of community health evaluations in this must-watch interview. Whether it is an Amish community in Ohio or a non-profit project in Jamaica, this discussion will provide insights to help you understand the risk factors, underlying trends, and agents of change needed to make an impact at scale.

Stay connected with Transmission Control on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transmissioncontrol/

#TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #OuncesOverPounds

When we think about infection prevention, we often focus on hand hygiene, device reprocessing, and environmental cleaning. But what about healthcare linens? Enter Gregory Gicewicz , founder and CEO of Compliance Shark, a company dedicated to excellence in healthcare linen and laundry processing—with a sharp focus on infection prevention compliance. Greg’s journey into healthcare laundry was anything but typical. Before launching Compliance Shark, he founded and led Sterile Surgical Systems, an accredited healthcare laundry in Washington state, for 17 years. And before that? He spent 13 years at Microsoft—a background that brings a unique systems-driven approach to an often-overlooked aspect of patient safety.

Laundry compliance isn’t just about clean linens—it’s about ensuring hygienic integrity from processing to patient use. A breakdown in standards can lead to contamination risks that impact both patients and staff.

✅ Elevate industry standards for healthcare linen processing

✅ Strengthen infection prevention protocols

✅ Support healthcare facilities in maintaining compliance

Healthcare linen might not always be in the spotlight, but it plays a critical role in patient safety. Who else is working behind the scenes to keep healthcare environments clean and compliant? Drop a comment!

#InfectionPrevention #HealthcareLaundry #Compliance #PatientSafety

In a recent interview, we had the privilege of speaking with Carole W. Kamangu, MPH, RN, CIC, CEO and President of Dumontel Healthcare Consulting, LLC who shared how her background in nursing and epidemiology has uniquely shaped her approach to infection prevention. Carol’s experience highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in building a strong infection prevention framework.

Our conversation reinforced a core idea: each professional’s journey brings invaluable insights that help us tackle complex healthcare challenges with a fresh perspective.

Whether you come from nursing, microbiology, or any healthcare background, your insights drive innovation and resilience in infection prevention. Check out the full clip for more on how our journeys shape our mission to keep patients safe!

#TransmissionControl #InfectionPrevention #Healthcare #Epidemiology #Nursing #PatientSafety #HealthcareInnovation #InfectionControl

In the latest episode of Ounces Over Pounds, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Brittaney Jenkins, Founder and CEO of Jenkins Public Health Consulting. Together, they explore the critical role of health literacy in driving public health outcomes, the intersection of public health and infection prevention, and the game-changing impact that health educators bring to the table.

Health Literacy at the Forefront: Brittaney shares her expert insights on why understanding and effectively communicating health information is essential for empowering communities and improving overall health outcomes.

Public Health Meets Infection Prevention: By leveraging the strengths of both fields, Garrett and Brittaney dive into how infection prevention and public health can work hand-in-hand to create healthier, safer environments.

Health Educators as Key Players: Learn about the invaluable role that health educators play in bridging gaps, raising awareness, and helping communities make informed health decisions.

Tune in to this enlightening discussion and gain insights into the evolving world of public health and infection prevention!

More exciting conversations coming your way—stay tuned!

#TransmissionControl #PublicHealth #HealthLiteracy #InfectionPrevention #HealthcareInnovation #HealthEducation #PublicHealthLeadership

Welcome to the first episode of “Hygiene Huddle,” where infection preventionists gather to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore solutions to improve hygiene and prevent infections in healthcare settings.

In this episode, our panel of experts dives into addressing non-compliance with hand hygiene and PPE, meeting new CDC isolation guidelines, and providing education that moves the needle on patient safety. On “Hygiene Huddle” we provide valuable insights and practical tips that you can implement in your own practice.

Stay tuned for more episodes of “Hygiene Huddle” as we continue to bring you the latest in infection prevention and control. Together, we can make a difference in patient care and safety.

#HygieneHuddle #InfectionPrevention #Healthcare #PatientSafety #InfectionControl #Teamwork