Beyond Clean Podcast

Latest Episodes:

On Pathogens & PPE: Assembly Without Disruptions Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

You're building a tray. The phone rings. Someone needs an update. You step away… and just like that, the process breaks. On this week's episode of "On Pathogens & PPE," host Jill Holdsworth and co-host Katie Belski are joined by Art Babiy, Jennifer Greisen, and Ebow Holdbrook-Smith to talk through the real challenges #CleanFreaks are facing in assembly areas. From stepping away mid-tray and chasing down tools to managing constant distractions and pressure from the OR, this conversation calls out the moments where processes can break down and how your team can stay on track. If you've ever felt the pressure to move faster while still getting it right, this episode is for you!

Over the next 12 weeks, Jill and special guests from across the industry will team up to share actionable strategies for fighting pathogens while building stronger partnerships between Sterile Processing and Infection Prevention teams. Whether you're in SPD, IP, or both—this series is designed to empower you and your team with the knowledge and tools that make a real difference!

New episodes of On Pathogens & PPE will release each Tuesday on all Beyond Clean & Transmission Control channels. A special thanks to our Year 2 sponsor, Healthmark, A Getinge Company, for making this series possible.

#BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast

*Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

SPD Fact Check - The $4,999 Problem: What Invoice Splitting Really Costs SPD Leaders Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

$4,999. In many SPDs, that number can be the difference between getting what your department needs—or waiting months for approval. On this episode of Beyond Clean, we're joined by Stephen Benzel, Director of Accounting at LifeSpring Health Systems, to take a closer look at the financial decisions directly impacting how your SPD operates day to day. From the risks tied to splitting invoices to how budget structures can push teams toward short-term workarounds, Stephen brings clarity to the financial side of Sterile Processing. He also explores what stronger collaboration with finance really looks like and how it can change the outcome for your team. If you've ever felt caught between what your department needs and how you're going to pay for it, this episode is one you don't want to miss!

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode32-04

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season32 #SPDFactCheck #InvoiceSplitting #Finance #Expenses #CapitalSpending #OperationalCosts

Problems in the Pipes: Is Water Causing Your Black Specks? Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

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.

Over the next 6 weeks, this series dives into one of sterile processing's most frustrating challenges—black specks. From water and steam quality to department culture, risk assessments, and root cause analysis, we're digging into every angle to uncover real answers (and real solutions) for your SPD.

A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series!

#BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

On Pathogens & PPE: Why Brush Selection Matters Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Think one brush fits all? Think again! On this week's episode of "On Pathogens & PPE," hosts Jill Holdsworth and Trevor Hazen are joined by Nelson Winter, Emily Barnard, and Ron Hunsucker to take a closer look at how brush selection, sizing, and technique impact your manual cleaning process. From choosing the right brush size and type to knowing when a brush has reached the end of its life, this group calls out the habits that can quietly compromise your workflow. They also highlight how training, storage, and daily practices can make or break consistency across your team. Grab your favorite brushes and tune in, #CleanFreaks —chances are, you'll be taking a second look at them after this one!

#BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast

*Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

SPD Fact Check - Just Roll with It? The Dirty Truth about Instrument Transport Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

It might only be a few steps from the OR to decontam, so how do you ensure your instruments get there safely? This week on Season 32 "SPD Fact Check," we're joined by veteran Sterile Processing consultant Marc Finch as he shares what it really takes to move contaminated instruments safely through your facility. From what AAMI ST79 requires to why back table drapes and biohazard bags fall short, Marc walks us through the critical steps that can often be overlooked. He also highlights how gaps in transport practices can expose staff, damage instruments, and create risks throughout your workflow. Whether your team is moving instruments down the hall or across multiple floors, this episode will have you taking a closer look at how your transport process holds up.

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode32-03

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season32 #SPDFactCheck #InstrumentTransport #CaseCart #BiohazardBag #Safety #Compliance

Clear the Air: Rethinking PPE Protection in SPD Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

Is the PPE your team relies on actually built for the environment you work in? On this week's Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight™, Ken Arthur and Desiree Acedo from MAXAIR® Systems join us to explore how the MAXAIR® CAPR® system is redefining safety, comfort, and protection in high-heat, high-moisture decontamination environments. With ANSI-AAMI PB 70 Level 4 Fluid/Splash and NIOSH Approved Respiratory protection, adjustable airflow, and a lightweight, fog-free design, this innovative PPE helps techs stay protected and comfortable through even the toughest days in decontam. From reducing fatigue to staying dry at the sink, discover what a difference the right PPE can make—tune in today! Visit maxair-systems.com to learn more and get connected with your local MAXAIR Systems representative. Be sure to stop by booth #1238 at HSPA for a chance to win your own CAPR system and experience it firsthand. Plus, follow MAXAIR Systems on LinkedIn for product updates, insights, and resources on PPE and staff safety!

A Trail of Breadcrumbs: Getting to the Source of Your Black Speck Issue Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

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!

#BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

On Pathogens & PPE: What's Hiding in Your Lumens Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

You followed the IFU. You brushed. You flushed. So it's clean… right? On this week's episode of "On Pathogens & PPE," hosts Jill Holdsworth and Brandon Gantt are teaming up with Aaron Preston, Cheron Rojo, and Jahan Azizi to take a closer look at what's hiding inside your lumen instruments. As more departments adopt borescopes, teams are uncovering retained debris, moisture, and internal damage that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, even when reprocessing steps were correctly followed. From understanding what you're seeing to knowing what to do when something doesn't look right, these experts highlight the gaps between process and proof and why education, training, and consistency are key to making borescopes part of your everyday workflow. Tune in today!

#BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast

*Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

SPD Fact Check - Workin' at the Cart Wash: Exploring SPD's Biggest Washer Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Case carts in, case carts out—but do you really know what's happening inside your SPD's cart washer? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we're joined by Angus Bruce as he breaks down what modern cart washers are actually capable of—and where teams can run into trouble without realizing it. From when it makes sense to run instruments through them to why your chemistries might be expiring in the detergent room, Angus walks us through the decisions that can't be overlooked. He also highlights how gaps in maintenance and setup can quietly contribute to particulate contamination showing up in your surgical trays. Tune in as we take a closer look at one of the most relied-on pieces of equipment in your department. We hope you can join us!

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode32-02

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season32 #SPDFactCheck #CartWasher #CaseCarts #Workflows #Maintenance #Detergents #SPDEquipment

From Speck to Source: What Exactly Is a "Black Speck?" Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

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!

#BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

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