DECONTAMINATION & STERILISATION ARTICLES

Transforming endoscope reprocessing: a new model

Could on-demand services play a pivotal role in future-proofing endoscopy workflows? A new model for loan endoscopes has been launched in Australia and has the potential to be rolled out across the globe, in the near future. This article looks at how the initiative aims to maintain high infection control standards, while reducing operational burdens.

The importance of education in sterile services

The Institute of Decontamination Sciences’ annual scientific conference took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, bringing together decontamination scientists and experts from across the UK. IDSc Chair, Trevor Garcia, emphasised the vital need for education for the decontamination sector and the importance of attending events such as the annual conference.

COVER STORY: Effective HLD of ultrasound probes

Nanosonics provide an insight into high-level disinfection of ultrasound probes, including the important factors that need to be taken into consideration to ensure effective results. In this article, they highlight the latest innovative technology that can help protect patients, staff and your equipment.

Size matters: quality control for surgical instruments

Sojin Mappidecheri, Tom Brophy and Jonathan Reeves discuss the findings of an in-house quality assurance programme at Barts Health NHS. They highlight the importance of ensuring the correct sizing of surgical instruments and discuss the need to move to a standardised approach to measuring instrument dimensions, across the industry.

Risk and revolution in decontamination

The theme of the Central Sterilisation Club (CSC) Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 is: ‘Risk and Revolution’. The CSC’s Mike Simmons and John Prendergast ask the question: What can Elon Musk teach the decontamination community?

COVER STORY: Investing in the future of medical device reprocessing

Having celebrated 40 years of innovation in the decontamination sector, Wassenburg is now unveiling exciting plans for 2025, with major investment in the UK market and an expanding portfolio of pioneering technologies.

Tick-tock: keeping up with the reprocessing clock

Flexible endoscope reprocessing is about speed and efficiency. The timespan between pre-cleaning, manual cleaning and high-level disinfection should be as short as possible to ensure that bacteria is effectively removed from an endoscope. However, time management can be a huge hurdle to navigate, as Kerry Dolan explains.

Understanding steam sterilisation failures

Dr. Tim Sandle discusses some of the common issues encountered in the sterilisation of surgical instruments, using autoclave technologies. He argues that to make a thorough evaluation of sterilisation, reliance cannot be restricted to chemical or biological indicators, and a complete understanding of hazards and physical operating parameters is required.

IDSc 2024 highlights major changes ahead

The biggest changes in decades, affecting the decontamination sector, will be revealed and explored at this year’s IDSc annual conference – from the latest plans for registration to a new competency framework. IDSc Chair, Trevor Garcia explains why attending this year’s event is so important.

UV-C disinfection: ensuring safety and sustainability

Daan Hoek examines the impact of UV-C light technology in ultrasound probe reprocessing, focusing on how it enhances patient and staff safety. He explains how it contributes to more effective infection control measures, while providing a balance between compliance and sustainability.

A great debate: sustainable decontamination

Does passionate idealism for sustainable decontamination threaten patient safety, or do we need to rethink the culture of single use? These were some of the questions debated at The Central Sterilising Club’s Annual Meeting.

Critical aspects of microbial control

This year, the Central Sterilising Club’s Annual Scientific Meeting brought to the fore the complex challenges around microbial control both in the healthcare environment and with medical devices. At the heart of the discussion was the need to balance patient safety with the need to protect our planet. Louise Frampton reports.

Endoscopes: pre-clean the unseen

Kerry Dolan provides an insight into the problem of biofilms and discusses why endoscope pre-cleaning is crucial for patient safety.

Evaluating new approaches to endoscope cleaning

Effective removal of biofilm and contamination from endoscopes is vital to ensure patient safety. Ellie Wishart, says that new endoscope cleaning approaches are required and outlines the key criteria required to assess their potential.

Why IFUs are important to reduce SSI

Stuart White and Emile Jubeli highlight the importance of Instructions for Use (IFUs) to ensure the effective decontamination of instruments, including those used in robot-assisted surgery.

UK MDR or not UK MDR? The question for SSDs

What do sterile services departments need to know about the UK Medical Devices Regulations? Jack Walters provides an insight into the ‘UK MDR for Healthcare Organisations’ and discusses how this applies to the reprocessing of surgical instruments

Call for standardisation in endoscope decontamination

Daniel Collins warns that a lack of standardisation in the decontamination of endoscopes has led to varying standards at hospitals across the UK. He calls for a change of approach 
to reduce variation in standards and to ensure effective endoscope reprocessing.

Understanding steam quality and its vital role

Steve Bishop discusses the important role of steam quality in decontamination and tackles some key questions, including: how can we solve the ‘trilemma’ of service resilience, improved quality and decarbonisation challenges?

Challenging questions for the decontamination sector

Challenging questions in decontamination, were high on the agenda at DAS 2024, including: ‘how can we safeguard the next generation of competent decontamination staff?’ Louise Frampton provides an overview of some of the key highlights.

Advancing endoscopy through collaboration

Collaboration and partnerships are increasing, and the field of endoscopy is no exception. PENTAX Medical and UV Smart have joined forces to address the evolving demands 
of the sector, including the need for greener endoscopy.

Latest Issues

Scottish Intensive Care Society Conference 2025

Crieff Hydro Hotel, Scotland
1st - 2nd May 2025

AfPP Plymouth Regional Conference

TBC, Plymouth
10th May 2025

Theatres and Decontamination Conference

CBS Arena
20th May 2025

BAUN Day Educational Event

Hilton, Belfast
6th June 2025