Author: Megan Pietura

Sterile Processing Workstations for Complex Workflows

Posted on by Megan Pietura

Sterile processing departments are evolving fast. With increasing instrumentation complexity, high surgical volumes, and stricter compliance requirements, the demand for technicians is growing by the day.

While traditional workstation setups offer a solid starting point, they’re often not equipped to handle today’s specialized process requirements. That’s why departments are turning to specialty sterile processing workstations, purpose-driven setups built to solve specific challenges within SPDs.

Here are 7 areas in prep and pack where specialty workstations can solve large problems or improve outcomes for sterile processing.

 

Consolidating Workflows with Wrap Inspection SpacesCombo Wrap Table 001

The Problem: Frequent rewraps, overlooked damage on instrumentation and wrap, and crisscrossing patterns of workflow make wrapping spaces inefficient and ineffective.

The Solution: Specialty sterile processing workstations for centralizing sterilization wrap, lighting, indicators, and inspection tools into a single area. Built-in tabletop lights aid in wrap inspection before use. Technicians can better maintain wrap integrity, catch small tears or punctures, and streamline the entire packaging process.

 

Ample Space at Robotic Packing Stations

The Problem: Robotic arms and instrumentation require unique care and more space, but many general-purpose workstations fall short.

The Solution: Dedicated robotics sterile processing workstations provide ample surface area, organized access to heat sealers and robotic peel pouches, and integrated lighting—making it easier to handle robotic instruments without clutter or compliance issues. Only 1-2 larger-sized tables may suffice to keep up with robotic packaging needs.

 

Low-Temp Sterilization Compliance Made Simple

The Problem: Different sterilization methods require varying IFUs, indicators, and accessories, often leading to mistakes or delays.

The Solution: Low-temperature sterilization-focused sterile processing workstations position scales, tape dispensers, indicator storage, and computer systems in a more optimized location to improve accuracy and ensure AAMI and AORN compliance with less backtracking.

 

Loaner Tray Oversight You Can See

The Problem: Managing incoming loaner trays can be chaotic, especially with limited documentation or inconsistent check-in processes.

The Solution: Specialized loaner tray workstations with built-in scales, lighting, and mounts for computers or cameras enable technicians to verify weight, inspect contents, and document everything at one centralized station. By removing loaners from the general assembly area, departments can reduce bottlenecks, avoid cross-contamination, and improve traceability.

 

Space for Quality Assurance Tasks

The Problem: Critical QA tasks like borescope inspections or cleaning verification like ATP and protein testing are often squeezed into already busy workspaces.

The Solution: Quality assurance workstations are designed to house testing equipment safely, provide power access, and offer ergonomic adjustability. This creates a dedicated, organized space for these essential functions, freeing up other prep & pack areas. Smaller tables with built-in electrical can fit into already tight areas while adding capacity.

 

Tray Weighing and Compliance

The Problem: When scales are fixed in one location, it disrupts assembly workflows and adds unnecessary back-and-forth. Not having adequate scales at key areas also hinders loaner compliance.

The Solution: Mobile sterile processing tables with built-in scales allow departments to weigh trays exactly where it’s needed, ensuring they meet weight limits without compromising efficiency. Tables can fit snugly between packing stations, or at vendor drop-off points.

 

Compact Options for Tight Spaces

The Problem: Some departments simply don’t have the space to expand but still need to improve wrap inspection or add work surfaces.

The Solution: Miniature sterile processing workstations with integrated lighting and storage offer powerful functionality in a compact footprint. These stations can be moved, shared, or placed in smaller packaging zones to meet growing needs without construction budgets.

 

A New Approach to Sterile Processing Workstations

Specialty sterile processing workstations aren’t just about adding equipment, they’re about redefining how departments support their technicians and processes. Instead of forcing tasks into standard configurations, some workstations are designed around actual workflow needs. Departments need not replace their entire fleet of tables to see visible productivity and compliance gains!

By choosing the right configurations for robotic packaging, low-temp compliance, loaner tray handling, or QA testing, facilities can eliminate bottlenecks, improve safety, and raise the overall standard of care.

As sterile processing continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the most effective workstations are the ones that solve real problems.

Interested in learning about our solutions for sterile processing workstations & impact tables?

Contact us today to explore solutions tailored to your team’s needs.

Rethinking Sterile Processing Workstations

Posted on by Megan Pietura

In today’s sterile processing environments, the “standard” sterile processing workstation doesn’t always cut it. Specialty devices, expanding robotic programs, new compliance demands, and limited space all require more than just a flat surface, plastic bins and a few outlets. That’s where uniquely configured assembly stations come in, and why more departments are investing in customized sterile processing workstations tailored to new needs.

 

What Is a Specialty Impact Table?

A Specialty Impact Table is a purpose-built sterile processing workstation designed to support specific reprocessing workflows, such as robotics, wrapped trays, low-temperature sterilization, and loaner tray management. Unlike general-use tables, these stations centralize tasks, tools, and documentation in a way that increases productivity, ensures compliance, and optimizes limited real estate. For departments feeling stress in any of these categories, a specialty table can provide immense value for workflows and processes.

 

Why Consider One?

  1. Compliance Where It Matters Most: Specialty Impact Tables help departments comply with IFUs and standards, such as ANSIAAMI ST79 ,especially in processes like weighing trays, wrap inspection, and robotic packaging.
  2. Focused Productivity: By grouping tools and tasks around a specific process, these workstations eliminate unnecessary movement and streamline workflows. Technicians can inspect, pack, seal, and document without leaving the station.
  3. Space Optimization: With built-in storage, pegboards, pull-out shelves, and vertical walls, these tables take clutter off countertops and turn every inch of surface space into functional space.
  4. Staff Enablement & Satisfaction: Ergonomic design elements like height-adjustability, lighting, and backwall pegboards reduce physical strain and help technicians focus on quality. Reducing foot traffic can also go a long ways to improving staff satisfaction with their work environment. Thoughtful design makes work easier!

 

Common Configurations for Specialty Tables

  • Wrap Inspection Tables: Integrated lighting and wrap storage organizing wrapped items to one, central table. For departments reducing the amount of wrapped goods, dedicating wrapping to one table keeps other areas open for other inspection and quality assurance resources.
  • Robotic Workstations: Dedicated heat sealer shelves, robotic-sized peel pouch storage, and lighting ensure careful, compliant

    packaging of complex robotic instruments. Integrate 4.75x task lighting and technicians have an all-in-one robotic workstation.

  • Loaner Tables:  Scales, tracking system mounts, and task lighting allow better control and documentation of incoming trays. Keep vendors accountable and feel more comfortable with loaner processes.
  • Low-Temp Sterilization Tables: Designed to manage accessories, indicators, and documentation for low-temperature trays and device packaging.

Design Tips for Building Your Own Specialty Impact Table

If you’re thinking about building or customizing your own sterile processing workstation, here are a few must-have design considerations:

  • Start with your workflow: Map out the process you’re trying to support, and identify all equipment, tools, and materials involved. Your table should reduce movement and consolidate tasks. If it doesn’t, the table might be An inadequate solution for your department’s needs.
  • Add targeted lighting: Inspection and packaging tasks benefit from 4,000+ lux lighting. Consider built-in LED or magnification lights or tabletop lighting for inspection of wrap materials.
  • Integrate storage and pegboards: Go vertical. Use pegboards, bins, and hooks to store printers, indicators, scanners, and test kits off the surface but within reach. Leave the table space for your instruments and trays.
  • Weighing made easy: If weight compliance is a factor, include a built-in scale or slide-out shelf scale.
  • Ergonomics: Include a footrest, height-adjustability, and anti-fatigue mats to support technician wellness over long shifts.

 

Whether you’re getting ready to support a robotic program, tackling high loaner volume, or trying to optimize the space you have, a Specialty Impact Table could be the upgrade your team didn’t know they needed. With thoughtful design influenced by fellow sterile processing professionals and their needs, Specialty Impact Tables improve clinical, patient outcomes.

 

Interested in designing a sterile processing workstation? Contact us to learn how you can design, customize and integrate a Specialty Impact Table into your workflow.

10 Common GI Reprocessing Answers for Technicians

Posted on by Megan Pietura

Reprocessing flexible endoscopes is one of the most high-risk and heavily scrutinized processes in any healthcare facility. Between complex device designs, evolving regulatory standards, and patient safety concerns, it’s no wonder GI and sterile processing professionals have so many questions.

  1. How soon after use should flexible endoscopes be reprocessed?

Reprocessing should ideally begin within one hour of the procedure. Delayed reprocessing can lead to biofilm formation, making cleaning significantly more difficult and potentially ineffective. Departments can consider tags or logs to ensure scopes move from pre-cleaning to manual cleaning within the hour to prevent having to take extra steps in reprocessing that are a result of delayed reprocessing.

  1. What should I do if my scope fails its leak test?

Scopes that fail leak testing present a risk for patients. The scope’s integrity can potentially allow fluid erosion and pathogens to further damage the scope. Scopes should immediately be removed from service. The endoscope manufacturer or your repair specialist should be

contacted to determine if the scope can be repaired.

  1. Why does my scope keep failing leak tests?

Repeated leak failures often point to either internal damage or improper technique. Double-check your connections, leak tester IFU and

water levels, if you are conducting a wet leak test. If the issues persist, scopes may need professional repair.

Leak testing is non-negotiable for assessing scope condition and for patient safety, so don’t disregard failed results! It is always wiser to remove the scope from inventory, or test again.

  1. How often should training or competency assessments be done?

Staff should undergo competency assessments annually at minimum, per AAMI and The Joint Commission. Whenever new devices or updates to IFUs are introduced, retraining is also essential.

Enhancing the quality of work for any staff member involves comfort and competency in their job. By providing routine training and competency assessments, department leaders can build confidence in their teammates, and in the quality of their outcomes.

  1. What’s the difference between high-level disinfection and sterilization?

High-level disinfection (HLD) eliminates most pathogens, but sterilization is the only method that fully eradicates spores and microbial life in instrument reprocessing. HLD is the minimum advised reprocessing method, particularly if logistics and cost are of concern. ANSI/AAMI ST91:2021 recommends sterilization for certain endoscopes & endoscope accessories, but cost and workflow constraints still limit universal adoption. Determine what is best for your facility based on a risk analysis, and the resources available.

  1. What are ‘high-risk’ endoscopes?

High-risk endoscopes as defined by ANSI/AAMI ST91:2021 are those which have been associated with infectious outbreaks, and which may include components in their design which make them difficult to clean. Some examples include linear ultrasound endoscopes, ureteroscopes, endobronchial ultrasound endoscopes, cystoscopes, duodenoscopes and bronchoscopes.

High-risk endoscopes shall be verified using a cleaning verification method after each use, to ensure proper cleaning protocol took place. Special attention to the cleaning process of high-risk endoscopes can be critical to ensuring an infection-free environment for patients.

  1. Can I reuse cleaning brushes and/or accessories?

Only if the IFU expressly permits it, and if the IFU conditions are all met. Reprocessing single-use items comes with many risks, such as cross-contamination or instrument damage.

  1. What should I be looking for during borescope inspections of my endoscope channels?

Borescope inspection can be a powerful cleaning verification tool, if you know what you’re looking for. Instrument damage, residual bioburden, residues from the cleaning process such as hair or brush bristles, can all be identified. Each poses a unique risk for cleaning outcomes.

During borescope inspection, the primary need might not be identifying the material on the screen, but by finding it at all. By creating patterns of potential lapses in cleaning,  endoscope reprocessing  professionals can perform more targeted risk assessments to improve their outcomes.

  1. What is the importance of drying endoscope channels before storage?

Drying is an essential cornerstone to effective endoscope reprocessing. Any residual water in endoscope channel is a dream for biofilm formation: dark, damp, warm and undisturbed conditions are ideal for biofilm.

Drying cabinets that support internal channel drying reduce the risk of residual water in channels.

  1. What do people enjoy about being a GI technician or nurse?

In Pure Processing’s 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report, a deep sense of personal pride and satisfaction in one’s work was the key reason individuals chose to stay in their role. GI reprocessing can be more than just a job; it can be a calling that delivers integrity, pride and purpose for both nurse and patient.

“I love that what I do really matters to the patients. They come here and entrust their lives in our hands.”

“I enjoy knowing that my job plays a role in the lives of patients.”

“I take great pride knowing that I am helping patients.”

Proper endoscope reprocessing is critical to infection prevention, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. As devices and standards evolve, so must our understanding of best practices. Ensuring your team has access to current guidelines, validated equipment, and regular training is essential.

 

Looking for additional resources for endoscope reprocessing? Visit our Reprocessing Report library for your essential GI reading!

Actionable Insights from the 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report

Posted on by Megan Pietura

Practical strategies GI departments can implement now to build stronger, safer teams

Each year, Pure Processing surveys hundreds of GI professionals to capture the state of endoscope reprocessing across the country. The 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report reflects both progress and persistent challenges, offering a clearer picture of what makes some departments thrive while others struggle with turnover, burnout, and compliance gaps.

But awareness is only part of the equation. Distilling findings into practical, actionable steps that department leaders, educators, and team members can take is key.

 

1. Strengthen Training with Real-World Scenarios and Recertification Timelines

More than a third of respondents identified training and ongoing development as one of the most common problems in their department. Beyond initial onboarding, many staff feel unsupported in staying current with IFUs, reprocessing techniques, and evolving technologies.

Action Step: Implement structured, recurring refresher sessions.

Include hands-on demos and audits. Incorporate changes to IFUs, updates from infection prevention teams, and real-case “what went wrong” reviews. Tie training to competency documentation and certification prep where possible.

 

2. Prioritize Ergonomics as a Safety and Retention Strategy

Despite modest improvement, ergonomics and working comfort remain the lowest-rated category in the survey. Many cited physical strain, repetitive motion injuries, and poorly designed workspaces as key contributors to burnout.

Action Step: Conduct an ergonomic risk assessment of the department

Evaluate counter heights, foot traffic, and repetitive movements. Introduce anti-fatigue mats, seating/rest options, and consider rotating duties to minimize overuse injuries. Even low-cost changes can reduce strain and improve satisfaction.

 

3. Clarify Advancement Pathways and Skill Progression

Nearly 20% of respondents said they leave their departments due to a lack of upward mobility or career development. Without a visible path forward, employees disengage or move on.

Action Step: Create a transparent development plan

Showing how staff can progress from entry-level roles to educator or supervisory positions is key. Consider offering stipends or support for pursuing certifications like CER or CGRN. Recognize and reward technical mastery as much as title advancement. Develop individual pathways for key contributors with high potential.

 

4. Develop a Departmental Culture Grounded in Recognition

“Lack of appreciation or recognition” ranked as one of the top non-compensation reasons for leaving. In contrast, respondents in high-performing departments emphasized culture, teamwork, and shared pride as strategic differentiators.

Action Step: Build a regular rhythm of recognition

Whether through shout-outs during huddles, monthly spotlight awards, or handwritten thank-you notes, start saying “thank you” more often. Encourage cross-role appreciation between sterile processing, GI techs, and nursing staff. A culture of acknowledgment drives engagement and retention.

 

5. Modernize Equipment and Validate Cleaning with Confidence

While not the top-cited concern, technology and equipment investment still plays a central role in staff confidence and performance. Delays due to scope shortages, unreliable AERs, or lack of cleaning verification tools, create frustration and risk.

Action Step: Assess your current inventory against volume trends

Ensure all staff know how to properly use and document results from tools like borescopes, ATP testing, and leak testers. Consider more routine re-training on these tools. Advocate for capital investments by linking equipment requests to measurable reductions in reprocessing errors and scope turnaround times. Don’t have your own data yet? Find studies published from reputable sources like Ofstead & Associates to supplement investment requests.

 

6. Close the Loop on Compliance—Don’t Just Document It

Compliance saw the biggest year-over-year rating increase, a strong sign that departments are investing time, energy, and likely money in meeting standards. But compliance must be a lived behavior, not just paperwork.

Action Step: Turn audits and documentation into training moments

Invite techs and nurses into reviews of recent audit results and feedback. Translate manufacturer guidance into laminated quick-reference guides or videos stored at the point of use. Empower staff to own compliance, not just report it. Run practice audits to find compliance gaps before they become ingrained in workflows.

 

7. Align Leadership with Visibility and Accessibility

When asked what makes a department exceptional, leadership emerged as one of the most frequently cited themes. Not as a title, but as a presence.

Action Step: Ensure leaders are routinely visible in both the procedure and reprocessing areas

Use rounding, open office hours, and hands-on support to stay connected with frontline challenges. Leadership that listens builds trust that lasts.

 

Final Thoughts

The 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report isn’t just a snapshot, it’s a roadmap. If you’re leading a department, influencing policy, or working on the front lines of GI care, use these insights to guide your next steps. Small changes, implemented consistently, can reshape both outcomes and morale.

 

To explore more findings, download the full report later this month and join the growing community of professionals working to elevate GI reprocessing nationwide!

Download the 2024 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report here.

Trends and Takeaways from the 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report

Posted on by Megan Pietura

How the GI field is changing—and what that means for your department

The 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report is more than a pulse check, it’s a reflection of how GI departments across the country are adapting, improving, and confronting persistent challenges. This year’s survey drew responses from more than 400 GI professionals, including technicians, nurses, nurse managers, SPD crossovers, and department leaders. Their voices offer insight into what’s improving, what’s holding departments back, and what success actually looks like in today’s reprocessing environments.

Here are some of the key trends and takeaways from this year’s data:

 

Compliance Is Improving, But It’s Only the Beginning

One of the most significant improvements in 2025 was the jump in departmental compliance ratings, which rose from 6.8 to 7.5 (out of 10). This suggests that departments are becoming more focused on documentation, audit readiness, and adherence to IFUs.

But while compliance scores are rising, many departments still struggle to turn protocols into daily habits. The increase may reflect improved processes on paper, but not necessarily consistent execution in practice. The challenge ahead lies in translating standards into culture.

 

Ergonomics and Working Comfort Remain Problematic

Despite a modest uptick in ratings, ergonomics and working comfort continue to be the lowest-rated departmental category in the survey. GI reprocessing work is physically demanding, often taking place in cramped or outdated spaces. Respondents repeatedly cited fatigue, strain, and the lack of proper equipment design as contributors to burnout and turnover.

This isn’t just a staffing issue, however, it’s a safety one. As device complexity increases, so too do the demands on reprocessing professionals. The data shows that investment in ergonomics is not just overdue, it’s critical.

 

Culture and Teamwork Define Exceptional Departments

When asked what makes a GI department truly exceptional, responses consistently pointed to culture, collaboration, and leadership. Respondents didn’t emphasize flashy technology or perfect compliance, they emphasized departments where:

  • Colleagues support each other
  • Communication flows freely
  • Leaders are visible and accountable
  • Recognition and trust are part of daily life

This qualitative feedback affirms that soft skills and organizational culture are just as important as protocols and tools when it comes to departmental performance.

 

Turnover Isn’t Just About Pay

While compensation matters, it’s not the primary reason people leave GI departments. The most commonly cited non-compensation reasons include:

  • Working conditions (e.g., burnout, stress, poor ergonomics)
  • Lack of upward mobility or career development
  • Lack of appreciation or recognition
  • Management or leadership challenges

The message is clear: departments that want to retain staff need to think beyond wages. They need to foster environments where people feel valued, challenged, and supported in their growth.

 

Certification, Education, and Experience Shape Perception

One of the more nuanced findings in this year’s report is how certification and experience impact departmental ratings:

  • Professionals with GI-specific certifications (e.g., CGRN, CER) consistently rated their departments more favorably.
  • Those with greater experience tended to rate their departments lower—perhaps because they’ve seen what “excellent” looks like and are more attuned to gaps.

This suggests that certification programs and continuing education don’t just improve performance—they improve engagement and perception, too.

 

Departments Perform Well, or Poorly, Systemically

One of the most striking data points from this year’s survey is how closely departmental ratings correlate across categories. Departments that score well in leadership tend to also score high in culture, processes, compliance, and technology. Those that struggle in one area often struggle in many.

This means improvement efforts should be systemic, not siloed. A single equipment purchase or training module isn’t enough. Departments that want to raise their overall performance must build cohesive, cross-functional strategies that touch everything from staffing and equipment to recognition and communication.

 

Looking Ahead

The 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report confirms what many already know: the GI field is advancing—but unevenly. Some departments are becoming safer, stronger, and more collaborative. Others continue to face avoidable barriers that impact patient safety and staff well-being.

Whether you’re a GI nurse, endoscopy technician, department manager, educator, or infection preventionist, this year’s report offers insights on where to focus, what’s working, and what still needs urgent attention.

Download the 2025 GI Reprocessing Report later this month when it’s published.

Your next improvement strategy might already be waiting inside.

Download the 2024 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report here

2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report – Executive Summary

Posted on by Megan Pietura

What trends are GI professionals seeing in 2025, and what makes a GI reprocessing department thrive-or struggle? These are the central questions Pure Processing set out to answer in our 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Survey. With 406 participants across the U.S. and beyond, the 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report offers the most comprehensive look yet at the challenges, improvements, and realities facing GI teams today.

What We Learned

Departmental Operations Are Improving, But Not Evenly

Ratings for compliance, leadership, and technology all improved compared to 2024 responses. The most notable gain? Compliance, jumping from 6.8 to 7.5 out of 10, suggests that departments are placing greater focus on standard adherence and audits.

However, ergonomics and working comfort, despite a slight increase, remains among the lowest-rated areas, pointing to ongoing burnout and strenuous physical demands.

 

Culture, Collaboration, and Leadership Define Exceptional Teams

When asked what makes a GI reprocessing department truly exceptional, five themes stood out:

  • Strong teamwork and collaboration
  • A positive culture and morale
  • Access to proper tools and equipment
  • Ongoing training and education
  • Supportive and responsive leadership

An emphasis on soft skills and leadership competencies can be the difference between adequate departments, and great ones.

 

Why People Are Leaving

Beyond compensation, the leading cause of turnover is working conditions, including stress, burnout, and poor ergonomics. This was followed by lack of career advancement, recognition, and management issues. Retention isn’t just about pay. It’s about meaningful work, growth opportunities, and feeling valued.

 

The Biggest Challenges in 2025

Gastroenterology departments cited a couple challenges taking precedent this year:

  • Staying current with compliance and IFUs
  • Persistent staffing shortages
  • Aging scopes and equipment
  • Difficulty implementing tools like borescopes and cleaning verification

Departments need to be strategic, not reactive, especially as device complexity continues to grow.

 

What the Data Tells Us

  1. More experience = a more critical eye. The longer someone’s been in GI, the lower their department’s ratings tend to be. That’s not cynicism – it’s deeper insight into what great looks like, and increased expectations.
  2. Certification correlates with higher satisfaction. Certified professionals consistently rate their departments more favorably across multiple domains.
  3. Strong leadership = stronger culture. When leadership scores are high, so are culture and team morale.

 

Ready to Dive Deeper?

From departmental ratings to training to team dynamics, compliance trends, and retention strategies, the full 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report is packed with data-driven insights to help you elevate your department.

 

Download the full report later this month and take the first step toward building a safer, stronger, and more sustainable GI reprocessing environment.

Download the 2024 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report here ahead of 2025’s being published!

Understanding the Ripple Effect: How OR Changes Impact SPD

Posted on by Megan Pietura

In our previous blog, “How the SPD Drives OR Goals: The Hidden Engine of Success,” we explored the crucial role SPD plays in supporting OR efficiency and patient outcomes.

Operating rooms are fast-paced environments that constantly evolve. Some changes occur gradually over time, while others happen minute by minute, even within the same procedure. What may seem like a simple adjustment in the OR can create a significant ripple effect in the sterile processing department.

Understanding how a single scenario can impact SPD paints a clearer picture of the department’s inner workings and highlights its influence on OR efficiency and patient outcomes.

Cause: Surgical Procedure Evolution

As surgical procedures evolve, new technologies promise safer, more consistent outcomes and may even reduce surgery or recovery times. Surgeons train in new techniques, OR staff master the intricacies of new instrumentation, and together they create a safer environment for patients.

Effect: Increased Complexity of Instrument Reprocessing

New instruments often bring reprocessing challenges due to their complex designs. Instruments may require additional steps, disassembly, longer soak times, ultrasonic cycles, or specialized sterilization methods — all contributing to longer reprocessing turnaround times.

Education plays a critical role in efficient and safe reprocessing. Understanding what the surgical device does and how it’s used is just as important as knowing the reprocessing requirements outlined in the IFU. Together, these elements form a comprehensive knowledge base that empowers reprocessing professionals to make educated, efficient decisions in their daily tasks.

As your OR continues to invest in new technologies, consider what investments need to be made in sterile processing as well. A review of the new IFU with your sterile processing leader might reveal some potential increases in throughput time or increases in reprocessing costs. With a proactive plan, on-time delivery to the OR doesn’t have to suffer.

 

Cause: Increased Surgery Volumes

Surgical volumes continue to rise, influenced by factors like growing patient populations, surgical advancements, and improved efficiency. According to a study published in the Journal of Surgical Research, average orthopedic surgical volume increased by 38.04% from January to December in 2016–2019, while overall ambulatory surgery centers volume increased by 19.24% within the same timeframe.1

Effect: Strain on Point-of-Use Care and Instrument Reprocessing

As surgical volumes climb, the pressure to maintain pace intensifies. Unfortunately, this can lead to cut corners, particularly during point-of-use care — the crucial first step of the reprocessing cycle. Inadequate pre-treatment of instruments post-procedure can result in bio-burden drying onto devices, making cleaning exponentially harder downstream. This not only prolongs reprocessing but also increases the risk of compromised instrument cleanliness.

One solution to improve point-of-use care is the implementation of automated flushing systems. These systems help ensure that lumens and other complex instruments receive consistent, thorough flushing immediately after use, preventing bio-burden from drying and making downstream cleaning more effective. By standardizing this crucial first step, automated flushing systems can reduce variability, enhance compliance, and minimize delays.

Cause: Instrument Changes Mid-Procedure

Instrument needs can shift at any point before or during surgery. Whether it’s a full system change or a one-off tray request, these changes can occur across multiple ORs throughout the day. As OR staff, you need the instruments changed quickly for the outcome of the procedure.

Effect: Bottlenecks and Reprioritization

How your sterile processing is organized can make these pivots easy and proactive, or difficult and near impossible. In an ideal scenario, sterile processing works a day ahead, preparing instruments for upcoming cases and replenishing storage shelves. However, urgent calls for add-on cases, emergency procedures, or specialized trays can force SPD teams to rapidly reprioritize, creating bottlenecks. Instruments set aside to address immediate needs may delay routine reprocessing, resulting in longer turnaround times and a backlog of instruments.

One strategy to help alleviate these bottlenecks is the use of specialized sterile processing workstations. These workstations provide organized, dedicated spaces for technicians to efficiently start and stop set processing as priorities shift throughout the day. With supplies readily accessible and tools designed to handle a variety of instruments, these workstations enable staff to reprioritize tasks quickly without losing track of progress. This flexibility helps maintain workflow efficiency, even when unexpected instrument needs arise.

Effective workstation design also allows for more effective use of space. Any square of real estate in sterile processing is precious; that saved room could be used for staging pre-sterilized instrumentation for one-off requests or having more variety available.

Strategies for Improvement

To minimize the impact of these changes and improve efficiency in both the OR and SPD, implementing the right strategies is essential. By focusing on communication, tracking, and training, healthcare facilities can address challenges head-on and create a smoother workflow for both departments. Here are some key strategies for improvement.

  • Rounding: Regular interdisciplinary rounding fosters collaboration and helps identify pain points in the reprocessing workflow.
  • Huddles: Daily huddles ensure alignment on surgical schedules, instrument needs, and any unexpected changes.
  • Instrument Tracking via EHR Integration: Implementing instrument tracking systems integrated with electronic health records (EHR) provides real-time visibility into instrument location and reprocessing status, enhancing efficiency.
  • Updated Pick-Tickets: Frequent requests for specific instrument sets may indicate a need to update preference cards. This ensures the right sets are requested and available as standard requirements for particular procedures and surgeons.
  • Training: Continuous education on new surgical instruments, techniques, and updated IFUs empowers SPD technicians to stay ahead of changes and maintain compliance.

By acknowledging the ripple effect that OR changes have on SPD, healthcare facilities can develop strategies to minimize disruptions, improve efficiency, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Discover how Pure Processing’s solutions can enhance your sterile processing workflow.

 

Works Cited

Retrospective analysis of trends in surgery volumes between 2016 and 2019 and impact of the insurance deductible: Cross-sectional study – PMC

Thief of Time: Workflow Optimization’s Role in Time Management

Posted on by Megan Pietura

In a previous blog Hidden Potential: Lost Time Productivity and Inefficiencies in Fragmented Assembly Processes, we unpack the consequences of lost time when our workflows are fragmented and interrupted.

Knowing the breaks, gaps and bottlenecks in a process reveals the areas where sterile processing leaders can target their improvement planning. It also shows that busy work doesn’t always equate to productive work.

By reducing the number of steps we take, and arranging workflows so that we eliminate any unnecessary foot traffic or disruptions to our reprocessing tasks, we are saving precious time. This gives back seconds and minutes that amount to significant inefficiencies over time.

How can workflows be streamlined at central equipment to eliminate wasted time? It starts by understanding the full potential of your space and equipment. Consider the space and the processes that require technicians time and attention and streamline movements and required supplies to reduce the number of breaks, and time away, from the workstation.

Sterile processing workstations are a great example of multi-functional work areas that can markedly improve time efficiencies.

 

Improving Through Design

Pegboards

Pegboards free up workspaces by getting otherwise staged equipment off the tabletop to allow for more open space to perform organization, inspection and assembly steps for instrument trays.

Pegboards also create vertical organization of frequently used supplies and inspection equipment, allowing technicians to stay in their working space longer and eliminate “pauses” during inspection and assembly that can lead to missed steps, or forgotten sterility components (hello, missing indicators!)

 

Heat-Sealer Shelves

Heat sealers: every department has at least one, and they often require whole working areas dedicated to their use and functionality. However, with stow-away options available, there are now ways to safely and effectively consolidate peel packing preparation into an organized workspace. Real estate on counter tops is finally freed up for packing!

 

Robotic Peel Pack Pouch Holders

Robotic arms are lengthy and peel packing them can be a cumbersome task. With pre-cut options now available, this now calls for extra storage space in our departments. These boxes often come at the cost of extra room, most of which we don’t already have. Having a designated, off-the-counter storage slot for these supplies makes having them at the workstation a more feasible and efficient process.

 

Scale Shelves

Tray weight compliance can be an ever-looming concern in fast-paced environments. With inspection and verification going beyond visual cleanliness, having the right equipment in the right spot helps aid in a comprehensive approach to instrument tray accuracy and overall quality.

 

Visual Inspection

Borescope, magnification, specialized lighting, rulers and more! Each of these tools have a part in the visual inspection process when it comes to instrument cleanliness, instrument accuracy and sterile barrier preparation. Having any of these tools separated from the other will lower completed inspection points while increasing your non-compliance variable. Consider staging all these tools together into comprehensive stations.

 

Other Foot Traffic Multipliers

There are several reasons for interruptions to our job that we can’t always avoid or prevent. However, there are times when workflows and responsibilities can be adjusted to reduce foot traffic and interruptions for the whole department. We just have to know where to look!

 

Phone Calls

Young adult female technician is taking call on cell phone in hospital operating room. Team of surgeons are operating on patient in background.

Having a rotating point of contact responsible for the phone calls during the shift can reduce confusion and response times and ensure that anyone not assigned to the phone that day can continue on with their work without interruptions. Instead of having everyone pause to see who answers, one person is responsible for taking the call.

 

Washer/Sterilizer Loading

Some departments may benefit from having a “floater(s)” position that has a team member become the ‘runner’ for the department, keeping mechanical equipment unloaded to reduce bottlenecking at transition points in the process. Having this assigned responsibility eliminates the guess work and keeps things running seamlessly without constantly interrupting each phase of the process.

 

Supply Restock

Every workstation will eventually need to be restocked, working this into your daily open and close assignments can help better prep your teams and get them started on the right foot and keep  a steady rhythm for their day.

Whether it’s updating your workstation layout, adding new space-saving accessories or creating point of contacts to specific job functions, each can play a part in influencing our department foot traffic, throughput and ultimately the quality outcomes of our reprocessing practices.

 

Did some of these ideas get you thinking about how your department’s time is being used? Learn how design efficiencies at the workstation can greatly improve productivity for you and your team!

How The SPD Drives OR Goals: The Hidden Engine of Success

Posted on by Megan Pietura

Every successful surgery begins long before the patient enters the operating room. Behind the scenes, the sterile processing department works tirelessly to ensure that every instrument is clean,

A sterile processing technician holding a tray of surgical instruments over a decontamination sink.

functional, and ready for use. Without an efficient SPD, even the most skilled surgical team can face delays, complications, or safety risks. The truth is simple: a well-run SPD is the backbone of a high-performing OR.

The importance of this collaboration cannot be overstated. As highlighted in Infection Control Today, “SPD and OR professionals must work together as a well-oiled machine to ensure that surgical instruments are cleaned, sterilized, and available when needed”1. Without this partnership, inefficiencies and miscommunications can lead to severe consequences for surgical teams and patient outcomes.

The Connection Between SPD and OR Success

OR directors and managers rely on sterile processing to deliver sterile, functional instruments in a timely manner. Any inefficiencies in reprocessing can lead to delayed procedures, increased costs, and compromised patient care. When the SPD run smoothly, surgical teams can count on having the right instruments at the right time, ensuring optimal efficiency and minimizing last-minute disruptions.

For SPD leaders, keeping up with OR demands while adhering to strict compliance and quality standards is a constant challenge. Without the right processes and tools, meeting OR expectations can become overwhelming, leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies that ripple throughout the hospital.

SPD departments not only support the OR but also serve multiple other departments across the hospital. Often, SPD teams are juggling priorities and reprocessing needs for various services throughout the day, requiring seamless coordination and flexible workflows to ensure all departments receive the instruments they need when they need them.

Common SPD Challenges Impacting OR Efficiency

  1. Reprocessing Bottlenecks: When sterile processing lacks the right workflows or equipment, instrument turnaround times slow down, delaying procedures and creating scheduling conflicts in the OR. Additionally, improper point-of-use (POU) treatment can exacerbate these bottlenecks. If instruments are not properly cleaned or prepped at the point of use, residual bioburden can harden and complicate the cleaning process during reprocessing, ultimately lengthening turnaround times. According to AORN, effective POU care, such as the use of cleaning solutions and proper handling, can significantly reduce contamination and improve efficiency in the SPD process. 2
  1. Instrument Availability Issues: Missing, damaged, or improperly reprocessed instruments can lead to last-minute scrambles, increasing stress for surgical teams and potentially compromising patient safety.
  2. Communication Gaps: Ineffective coordination between SPD and OR teams can result in miscommunications about instrument needs, reprocessing priorities, and surgical case requirements.

Strengthening Collaboration Between SPD and OR Teams

To bridge these gaps and improve surgical outcomes, SPD and OR teams must work together to enhance workflow efficiency, compliance, and communication. Here are some key strategies:

  • Implement Streamlined Workflows: Optimizing SPD processes ensures instruments are reprocessed efficiently and accurately, minimizing delays and improving OR readiness.
  • Enhance Quality Assurance Measures: Ensuring thorough instrument inspection and testing before they reach the OR helps prevent disruptions and maintains surgical precision.
  • Invest in Tools that Support Compliance and Efficiency: Ergonomic workstations, inspection stations, and advanced reprocessing solutions can help sterile processing teams manage workload demands while maintaining adherence to industry standards.
  • Improve Cross-Department Communication: Regular meetings, shared tracking systems, and clear protocols for urgent requests help SPD and OR teams stay aligned on priorities and expectations.

 

Supporting OR Goals Through Improved SPD Processes

To meet the evolving needs of modern surgical teams, sterile processing departments benefit from solutions that enhance efficiency, ergonomics, and compliance.

 

Optimizing Workstations for Productivity & Technician Well-beingA SPD technician working at a sterile processing workstation

Sterile processing workstations designed to improve workflow and reduce technician strain allows sterile processing to work more effectively, ensuring instruments are processed accurately and without delays. Adjustable and well-organized workspaces contribute to technician comfort and efficiency, supporting a high-functioning reprocessing department. This reduces fatigue and the risk of errors, directly benefiting OR readiness.

 

Ensuring Safe Handling with Weight Compliance Solutions

Maintaining instrument trays within weight compliance guidelines supports safer handling for both SPD and OR teams. Mobile solutions that allow for efficient weighing and tracking help A sterile processing technician weighing a tray on a mobile scale cartdepartments optimize instrument sets, reducing excessive weight and improving overall workflow. By ensuring trays meet industry standards, sterile processing helps OR teams handle instruments safely and efficiently, preventing unnecessary strain or injuries.

Beyond ergonomics, the 25-pound weight limit also plays a crucial role in sterilization effectiveness and drying time. According to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standard ANSI/AAMI ST77:2006, excessive weight can compromise sterilization and drying, potentially delaying instrument readiness. This is particularly important given the OR’s push for rapid turnover. When trays exceed the 25-pound threshold, they may take longer to dry, affecting SPD’s ability to meet immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) needs and impacting overall surgical efficiency.3

By adhering to weight limits, departments not only improve safety but also ensure that trays are properly sterilized, dried, and ready for use, ultimately enhancing both compliance and operational flow.

 

Enhancing Quality Assurance with Inspection Tools

Proper inspection and visualization tools ensure only clean, functional instruments are sent to the OR, preventing disruptions caused by damaged or incomplete sets. High-quality inspection stations A sterile processing technician inspecting a flexible scope with a borescopecontribute to patient safety by ensuring compliance with reprocessing standards and reducing the risk of surgical delays. Investing in advanced visualization and magnification tools allows SPD technicians to identify defects and bioburden before instruments reach the OR, maintaining the highest level of quality.

 

Protecting Delicate Instruments During Reprocessing

Sterile processing requires careful handling to prevent damage to surgical instruments. Protective liners and soft-surface solutions help sterile teams safely manage delicate tools, reducing the risk of breakage or malfunction that could lead to last-minute OR shortages. Sending instruments out for repair not only reduces an OR’s available inventory but also increases department budget spend on repairs. By implementing best practices for safe instrument handling, SPD helps minimize repair needs, keeping costs down while ensuring that every surgical procedure starts with fully functional, high-quality tools.

 

Streamlining Reprocessing with Automated Flushing

Automated flushing systems ensure consistent, thorough lumen flushing, minimizing the risk of biofilm buildup and preventing delays due to incomplete instrument cleaning. By standardizing the flushing process, SPD can reduce human error and increase efficiency.

 

Ensuring Accurate Reprocessing with Timing Systems

Reliable timing systems help SPD track soaking and cleaning durations, ensuring instruments are reprocessed according to manufacturer guidelines and best practices. These tools promote accountability by preventing early removal or extended soaking of instruments, reducing the risk of OR delays and safeguarding patient outcomes.

 

A strong SPD is the backbone of OR success. By optimizing sterile processing workflows, healthcare facilities can ensure a seamless surgical experience, from preparation to procedure completion.

Discover how Pure Processing’s solutions can enhance your sterile processing workflow.

 

 

Works Cited

  1. “The Importance of SPD and OR Working Together.” Infection Control Today. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/importance-spd-and-or-working-together.
  2. “Why Do We Perform Point-of-Use Instrument Care?” AORN, https://www.aorn.org/article/why-do-we-perform-point-of-use-instrument-care.
  3. ANSI/AAMI ST77:2006