Healthmark Industries - Podcast Details

Shows

Ask the Educator141. Why Are My Surgical Instruments Magnetized?How does a surgical instrument become magnetized, and why is that a problem? In this episode, Healthmark Educators Michael Matthews and Malinda Elammari unpack the mystery of magnetized instruments. Sterile processing professionals will gain valuable insights into how magnetization happens, the challenges it can create in the OR, and practical solutions to address this often-overlooked issue in the SPD. 2025-07-0318 min

Ask the Educator136. Introverts Guide to Thriving at Industry ConferencesIndustry conferences can feel overwhelming, especially for professionals who are introverted or nervous about attending events with large crowds. In this episode, Healthmark's Michael Matthews (a fellow introvert) shares insight on what to expect, how to manage your time and energy effectively, and offers valuable tips for not just surviving, but thriving, at these events. Tune in for advice on how to make the most of your next conference experience.2025-04-0313 min

Ask the Educator134. Biofilms and FomitesMark recaps his insightful Healthmark webinar on biofilms and fomites. He dives into the science behind biofilms - what they are, how quickly they can form, and why they pose a significant threat to sterile processing. Tune in as Mark explains the dangers biofilms present in maintaining sterility and the importance of managing it in a healthcare setting.2025-03-0626 min

Ask the Educator133. What’s Inside? Cutting Open Surgical InstrumentsEver wondered what’s inside some of the most complex surgical instruments and devices? Healthmark’s Rebecca Peplau has...and she didn’t just wonder, she took them apart! In this episode, we revisit Rebecca’s Healthmark Academy webinar, “New Year, New Perspective: Examination of Instrument Cross Sections” and dive into her process. Find out what instruments surprised her the most and her advice to those responsible for cleaning these devices.2025-02-2014 min

Ask the Educator131. Stephen Kovach’s Exit Interview – Part 2In Part 2 of our career retrospective with the legendary Stephen Kovach, we explore his transition to Healthmark, the company's evolution over the years, and memorable moments with Ray Taurasi and the Basile brothers. Stephen’s unparalleled contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, making this episode a heartfelt tribute to his remarkable legacy. Thank you, Stephen Kovach! 2025-01-231h 08

Ask the Educator130. Stephen Kovach’s Exit Interview – Part 1As the legendary Stephen Kovach prepares for his January 2025 retirement, he joins us for a final, reflective interview. Stephen shares his journey - from his early life and entry into the healthcare industry to discovering his passion for reprocessing and his impactful career at Healthmark. Along the way, we explore thought-provoking topics such as overcoming learning disabilities, the symbolism of "crows," the value of mentorship, and the art of public speaking. This must-listen episode offers an intimate glimpse into the man, the myth, the legend - Stephen Kovach.2025-01-091h 18

Ask the Educator128. Giving Thanks to Sterile Processing ProfessionalsIn this season of giving, we’re dedicating an episode to the people who truly deserve recognition: YOU, the sterile processing professional! Join us as Kevin & Adam chat with Rebecca Peplau, our newest Healthmark Clinical Education Specialist, about showing appreciation for sterile processing professionals and ways we can better support and recognize the vital role they play in the healthcare industry. From all of us at Healthmark, Happy Thanksgiving!2024-11-2820 min

Ask the Educator120. Surgical Instrument Maintenance: Keeping Tools in the Open PositionIn the busy world of instrument reprocessing, we may overlook important details, such as keeping instruments in the open position for cleaning and sterilization. In this episode, Clinical Educator Emeritus, Stephen Kovach explains the importance of this practice, shares ways to improve it, and provides useful tools and resources. Don’t forget to watch Stephen’s past Healthmark CE webinar, “Open Wide: Why You Need to Keep Your Instruments Open” on our website. 2024-08-0819 min

Ask the Educator105. How to Kill Microorganisms with SterilizationDo you know how your sterilizer kills microorganisms? Or more importantly, do you know the mistakes that we make that could prevent them from being killed? Healthmark Industries Clinical Education Specialist, Malinda Elammari, illustrates how this sterilization process works. A follow-up to Healthmark’s most popular webinar in 2023 (Murder Mystery: Death by Sterilization), you won’t want to miss this one!2024-01-1124 min

Ask the Educator100. Ask the Educator's 100th Episode!!We are celebrating Healthmark's 100th Podcast Episode! Kevin, Adam, Stephen and Malinda discuss the purpose of this podcast, look back at old episodes and plans for future episodes! Shoutout to all our listeners!! We appreciate you and hope to continue sharing our knowledge. Thanks for listening! Please like and subscribe for more episodes. Questions or comments? Emails us at: asktheeducator@hmark.com 2023-11-0940 min

Ask the Educator97. Learning to Lead SPD as an OR Nurse: Interview with Aimee SpaceInternational guest, Aimee Space, joins Kevin Anderson on Healthmark's Ask the Educator podcast to discuss her career path in OR & SPD. Listen in as Aimee shares advice for all SPD professionals looking to climb the leadership ladder!2023-09-2837 min

Ask the Educator95. SPD Stories from the TrenchesEach SPD has problem areas of their own, but have you ever wondered how facilities across the country might look or perform? Our Healthmark Education team has been all over the United States and has that insight into how we are doing as an industry...the results aren't always pretty. In this episode, Cheron, Malinda and Seth discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly and what we as an industry can learn from these findings. Don't miss this chance to gain insight into what other facilities are doing well, and what mistakes you...2023-08-2421 min

Ask the Educator86. ST91 - Part 4 of 6: Handling and Storage of Scopes Post-ProcessingWhether you're a veteran of flexible endoscope processing, or brand new to the field, this podcast series on ST91 is designed for you! What do the new standards state about how you should be transporting your scopes? And are there new evidence-based recommendations about the type of storage system that is preferred? Join us as we speak to John Whelan about these questions and more!2023-02-1618 min

Ask the Educator85. ST91 - Part 3 of 6: Point of Use Treatment and Leak TestingWhether you're a veteran of flexible endoscope processing, or brand new to the field, this podcast series on ST91 is designed for you! Why is pre-cleaning is no longer the terminology used when talking about what is done at the point-of-use? And what is a "Leak Tester Tester" (not a typo)? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this episode with our guest, John Whelan!2023-02-0214 min

Ask the Educator84. ST91 - Part 2 of 6: High Risk Endoscopes, Manual Disinfection, and SterilizationWhether you're a veteran of flexible endoscope processing, or brand new to the field, this podcast series on ST91 is designed for you! In this episode, Dr. Mary Ann Drosnock explains what "high-risk endoscopes" are within ST91, why the standards now recommend moving away from "manual disinfection" of flexible scopes, and the push for the industry to move towards sterilization.2023-01-1923 min

Ask the Educator83. ST91 - Part 1 of 6: What is ST91? An Introduction to Flexible Endoscope StandardsWhether you're a veteran of flexible endoscope processing, or brand new to the field, this podcast series on ST91 is designed for you! Dr. Mary Ann Drosnock introduces us to the newest AAMI standard for flexible endoscope processing, ST91. From the background and history of the standard, to what the language in this document means, this is a perfect introduction for those who want to learn more about ST91.2022-12-2223 min

Ask the Educator82. Gladiators Hold the Line! A Patient & Parent Story with Alisha LoyHow is a sterile processing technician like a gladiator? Alisha Loy recaps her outstanding international webinar appearance detailing her journey as both a patient and parent through the healthcare system, and how she found her way in a department she had no idea even existed!2022-12-0815 min

Ask the Educator81. Education Culture in Sterile ProcessingWhat is "Education Culture" in Sterile Processing and how can we create a culture of education in SPD? How do we maintain it? And more importantly, how do we get staff to buy in? In this episode of the Ask the Educator Podcast, Kevin and Adam speak to Rebecca Peplau from Maine Health to answer these questions and more!2022-11-1716 min

Ask the Educator80. Sourcing Solutions from Multiple Vendors in SPDThe pandemic certainly changed a lot in our world, but one thing it exposed for us in Central Service was the weaknesses in our supply chains and our ability to survive without our needed supplies. In this episode, guest Jamie Terran outlines the need for us to expand our supply chains and create relationships with multiple vendors so we be flexible and react quickly to our facilities' needs. A must listen for anyone involved in their facilities purchasing decisions!2022-10-2711 min

Ask the Educator79. Psychological Safety and Forming the Multidisciplinary TeamIn this episode, Kevin and Adam speak to Marjorie Wall and Joseph Avila, both Directors at Memorial Hermann Health System in Texas. Don't miss this essential talk on the importance of "psychological safety" in the sterile processing department, and how Marjorie and Joseph used it to create a multidisciplinary team that accomplished amazing things! Bonus, learn how partnering with a local school can give you a pipeline of educated sterile processing technicians. No more travelers needed!2022-10-0617 min

Ask the Educator78. Sterile Processing: Safety FirstIn this episode, Jahan Azizi outlines the common safety hazards that we see in sterile processing departments each day, and the reasons behind why departments don't (or can't) prioritize the safety of its employees.2022-09-1215 min

Ask the Educator77. Horror Stories in Sterile Processing with the Healthmark EducatorsDo you ever wonder what consultants see when they go into hospitals across the country? Well, we can tell you from experience that it's not always pretty. In this episode of the Ask the Educator Podcast, Kevin Anderson is on the other side of the microphone for the first time as a guest on his own podcast, along with fellow educators, Malinda Elammari & Seth Hendee, as they recount their recent Healthmark webinar entitled "Horror Stories from the Field". Learn what mistakes hospitals are consistently making, and what tools and strategies you can use to avoid those mistakes!2022-08-1826 min

Ask the Educator76. Insulation Testing of Surgical Instruments with Cheron RojoIn this episode, Kevin & Adam speak with Cheron Rojo, who will be recapping his most recent International Webinar presentation on insulation testing. Learn how Cheron's personal story inspired his research and what the data tells us about whether sterile processing professionals are following the standards on insulation testing!2022-08-0415 min

Ask the Educator75. SID, Layerjot, and the Future of Surgical Instrument Identification with Etay GafniIn this episode of the Ask The Educator Podcast, we interview Etay Gafni about Layerjot's new project: the Surgical Instrument Database, or S.I.D. for short. What is SID? How can Sterile Processing Technicians utilize it to identify our surgical instrumentation? Don't miss this episode about an exciting emerging technology that you can start using immediately in your own department! For more information about SID, or to start using the database, go to: https://www.layerjot.com/2022-06-0925 min

Ask the Educator74. Peel Pouch ProblemsMalinda Elammari and Kevin Anderson continue their discussion on common peel pouch problems that are found in SPD departments. #sterileprocessing #peelpouch #sterileprocessingtech #asktheeducatorpodcast 2022-05-0517 min

Ask the Educator73. How Confident are You in Your Peel Pouch Seals?Malinda Elammari and host, Kevin Anderson discuss peel pouches and common issues with their seals.2022-03-2516 min

Ask the Educator72. Can we get an IFU for finding and using IFUs?Adam Okada, Seth Hendee, and Kevin Anderson all discuss the need for training and documented competency for IFUs. Many departments now have access to IFU database software. However, it is common for users to struggle to find the IFU and/or the information they need within the IFU.2022-02-2820 min

Ask the Educator71. Cleaning up a Wet Mess: Troubleshooting Wet PacksIn this interview, Adam Okada and Kevin Anderson discuss the trouble with wet packs. What are some common errors made when troubleshooting wet packs and what are some resources to consider when tackling this frustrating problem in sterile processing? Find out in this episode of Ask the Educator. 2022-02-1018 min

Real Work From Home Jobs With ThressaHealthMark Group is hiring Quality Control Specialist-Dsta Entry to Work From Home!In this podcast today, I will discuss the company HealthMark Group! Listen to the podcast for details! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thressa-sweat/support 2022-01-3102 min

Ask the Educator70. Open Wide: A Discussion About Sterile Processing in the Dental IndustryStephen Kovach and host Kevin Anderson discuss the current state of sterile processing in the dental industry.2022-01-2021 min

Beyond Clean PodcastThe Only Way: A Vendor Spotlight with Healthmark IndustriesThere is only one way to inspect internal channels of medical devices in Sterile Processing. On this Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight we talk with Kevin Anderson, Clinical Education Specialist at Healthmark Industries, about the newly released FIS-007 Inspection Borescope designed to inspect channels as small as 1.1mm diameter with interchangeable sizes to meet the specific needs of your department. With a compact design, easy setup, and the option to save photos and videos of your medical devices, your staff can move medical devices confidently to the next stage in reprocessing. Tune in now to learn more! Visit w...2021-12-1032 min

Ask the Educator69. Want to Take Your Sterile Processing Career to the Next Level? Consider Mentorship: Interview with Sarah B. CruzSarah B. Cruz is the guest educator on this episode and shares with us why and how mentorship may be an important step in your professional development.2021-12-0929 min

Ask the Educator68. How Well Do You Know Your IFUs?Instructions for use (IFUs) can range from too simple to too cumbersome. But they can also be your key to higher quality in sterile processing. Check out this episode featuring CPD Guy, Stephen Kovach and his thoughts on IFUs.2021-11-2427 min

Ask the Educator67. Innovation in Instrument Protection: Interview with Guy PhippsGuy Phipps, Co-Creator at SterileBits talks about the latest innovation in instrument protection that will solve many of the current industry problems from the sterile processing department to the end-user in the procedural areas.2021-11-1124 min

Ask the Educator66. Education is a Sterile Processing SuperpowerThe newest addition to the Healthmark Clinical Affairs team, Adam Okada shares how education played a critical role in driving quality in his sterile processing department. 2021-10-2827 min

Ask the Educator65. Why am I Signing This Sterilizer Printout?Our Healthmark Education Specialists visit a lot of SP Departments around the United States. When we ask staff to explain the sterilizer load printout, we often get mixed answers. Malinda Elammari helps address what we should be looking for on the sterilizer printout.2021-10-1423 min

Ask the Educator64. Get Rid of Those Gnarly Brushes!In this episode, Stephen Kovach and host Kevin Anderson discuss care and handling of reusable brushes in SPD. Too often we see inadequate brush inventory, incorrect brushes for the job, or brushes that look like they've been put through a coffee grinder. Get rid of those gnarly brushes! Take care of your brushes and they will take care of your surgical instruments!2021-09-1621 min

Ask the Educator63. Lead Your SPD with Storytelling: Interview with Hank BalchHave you practiced the art of storytelling to lead your SPD to the greatness? You should be! Listen to this interview with Beyond Clean founder and President, Hank Balch, to find out why and how to lead with storytelling.2021-09-0229 min

Ask the Educator62. SPD Leadership Spotlight: Interview with Jim VanPietersomIn this episode, host Kevin Anderson interviews Jim VanPietersom of Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in Alaska. Jim, an IAHCSMM Leadership Award winner shares a lot of great information about how he and his team have built a high performing SPD. If you have aspirations to be a leader in SPD, don't miss this episode!2021-08-1923 min

Ask the Educator61. Survey Readiness Series: A Focus on EndoscopyIn this episode, John Whelan shares valuable information about how surveyors look at endoscopy as well as many of the common pitfalls that lead to findings by surveyors. 2021-08-0523 min

Ask the Educator60. Quality Management Series: Tray AuditsIn this episode, Stephen Kovach talks about a simple quality management tool that can be used to proactively increase quality and safety before it reaches the patient, the tray quality audit!2021-07-2223 min

Ask the Educator59. Survey Readiness Series: Transportation of Reusable DevicesAs SP departments continue to process instruments from other internal and external facilities, the transportation of reusable medical devices becomes even more important. There are federal regulations and other things to consider when transporting instruments between facilities and departments. In this episode, Seth Hendee shares some tips to help you get ready for your next survey inspection of transporting medical devices.2021-07-0818 min

Ask the Educator58. Survey Readiness Series: Case Cart AuditingPoint of use care and transport of soiled surgical instruments and devices has been a focal point of accreditation surveys in recent years. Stephen Kovach shares simple ways to drive quality and compliance with these critical components of the instrument life cycle through case cart auditing.2021-06-2422 min

Ask the Educator57. Survey Readiness Series: All You Need to Know About Eyewash StationsStephen Kovach and host Kevin Anderson discuss all things related to eyewash stations in order to help listeners prepare for accreditation surveyors.2021-06-1020 min

Ask the Educator56. How Vested-Medical Prioritizes Quality: Interview with Tracy RaymondVested-Medical is a unique third-party processing and logistics company based in the Chicago area. In this episode, Tracy Raymond shares how Vested-Medical provides a unique service for their customers with a focus on quality. 2021-05-2021 min

Ask the Educator55. Measuring to Improve: Interview with Jake McHugh"What is measured gets improved," is a famous quote from Peter Drucker. This old quote is still very much relevant today and in the sterile processing industry. In this interview, Jake McHugh shares what he has been able to learn and accomplish with the data that his team tracks and trends in their department.2021-05-1330 min

Ask the Educator54. Getting to Know Marjorie Wall, Your Next IAHCSMM President-ElectIn this episode, host Kevin Anderson interviews Marjorie Wall, the new President-Elect of IAHACSMM. We get to know Marjorie and a little bit about her vision for the sterile processing industry.2021-05-0618 min

Ask the Educator53. Survey Readiness Series: Logs and DocumentationCheron Rojo, Clinical Education Specialist shares some tips on how to get your logs and documentation ready for an accreditation surveyor.2021-04-2919 min

Ask the Educator52. Going Mobile: A Year of PodcastsIn this episode, Stephen Kovach and host Kevin Anderson reflect on the need for sharing information and education differently due to the effects of the pandemic. 2021-04-2218 min

Ask the Educator51. Survey Readiness Series: Making a First ImpressionIn this episode, Cheron Rojo, Clinical Education Specialist with Healthmark Industries shares some tips for making a positive first impression with accreditation surveyors. He shares both environmental and personnel related opportunities to create this positive first impression. It's never too early to prepare for accreditation!2021-04-1517 min

Ask the Educator50. Unsung Heroes of SPD Series: Air Guns and PPE for Your EarsIn this episode, Stephen Kovach discusses two more unsung heroes of SPD, the instrument air gun and PPE for your ears. 2021-04-0816 min

Ask the Educator49. Answering Common Peel Pouch Questions in Light of Sterilization Wrap ShortageThe shortage in sterilization blue wrap has led to an increase in demand for peel pouches and rigid sterilization containers. In this episode, Seth Hendee speaks to several of the common questions we hear regarding peel pouches.2021-04-0116 min

Ask the Educator48. Should Vendor Trays Be Condensed From Multiple Trays Down To Fewer Trays?This question came in from a connection on social media. This is a great question that we don't discuss too often in the SPD industry. In this episode, Seth Hendee, Clinical Education Specialist with Healthmark Industries helps us to answer this question.2021-03-2515 min

Ask the Educator47. Unsung Heroes of SPD Series: Water Spray Arms & Water GunsStephen Kovach talks about another couple "unsung heroes of SPD," water spray arms and water guns. These devices are great for all things manual decontamination. While these tools are great, be sure to proceed with caution and the correct PPE!2021-03-1816 min

Ask the Educator46. Unsung Heroes of SPD Series: The DemagnetizerFor this installment of the Unsung Heroes of SPD Series, Stephen Kovach speaks about the demagnetizer and how important this piece of equipment can be to your department and your patients.2021-03-1115 min

Ask the Educator45. Unsung Heroes of SPD Series: The Heat SealerIn this episode, Stephen Kovach talks about the importance of the peel pouch heat sealer device that we use every day in SPD. He also shares how industry standards encourage us to be including daily checks on these devices to ensure that they are working properly.2021-03-0418 min

Ask the Educator44. What You Need to Know About ANSI/AAMI ST79 Amendments 1, 3, and 4In this episode, Healthmark Clinical Education Coordinator Seth Hendee, gives us an overview of what we need to know about ANSI/AAMI ST79 amendments 1, 3, and 4. There is some great information in here that you will want to know about. But be sure to get your copy of the ST79 amendments for your sterile processing department.2021-02-2516 min

Ask the Educator43. What You Need To Know About ANSI/AAMI ST 79 Amendment 2Cheron Rojo, Clinical Education Coordinator at Healthmark Industries shares a more in depth look at the 2nd of the 4 recent amendments to the ST79 guideline for steam sterilization.2021-02-1818 min

Ask the Educator42. Unsung Heroes of SPD Series: Case Cart WasherThe SPD department has many unsung heroes. These can be different types of supplies or equipment that we may take for granted, but play a critical role in our department. In this episode, Stephen Kovach and I discuss the importance of the case cart washer.2021-02-1120 min

Ask the Educator41. What You Should Know About AAMI TIR 12: Interview With Damien BergDamien Berg explains what exactly a TIR is compared to an industry standard. He also explains how the document AAMI TIR 12 will impact both the manufacturer and the end user.2021-02-0427 min

Ask the Educator40. The Importance of Education in Sterile Processing: Interview with Nancy ChobinIn this episode, Kevin Anderson interviews Nancy Chobin, CEO of Sterile Processing University. Nancy shares her thoughts on all things related to education in sterile processing, including certification and the need for more development for managers of sterile processing.2021-01-2828 min

Ask the Educator39. Breaking News: Four ANSI/AAMI ST79 Amendments Released!AAMI has released four amendments to the Comprehensive Guide to Steam Sterilization (ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017). In this episode, host Kevin Anderson shares a high level overview of the latest amendments.2021-01-2106 min

Ask the Educator38. Inspect What You Expect - Endoscope Edition: Interview With Bernie SpencerBernie Spencer shares principles learned while working 25 years in the automotive industry and how he applies them to the device processing world that he has been working in over the last 8 years. In this episode he specifically speaks about how he applies these principles learned to the endoscope channel brushing process.2021-01-1422 min

Ask the Educator37. What's So Special About Cleaning Brushes?In this episode, Kevin Anderson speaks with Healthmark Laboratory Technician, Audrey McDonald. She introduces ASTM International standards that apply to testing the cleaning efficacy of brushes that are used to clean medical devices. She also shares how brushes are tested, specifically brushes that are meant to clean instrument channels, or lumens. 2021-01-0716 min

Ask the Educator36. Commit to EducationThe sterile processing industry continues to evolve. It is important that whether we are certified or not, that all of us in the device processing world are committed to education. What are we learning and what are we teaching others. Host Kevin Anderson shares some practical ways to get involved in education in 2021.2020-12-3114 min

Ask the Educator35. What a Gift!In the spirit of the holiday season, Kevin Anderson shares a personal message about one of the greatest gifts we can give.2020-12-2411 min

Ask the Educator34. What Is A KPI And Why Is It Important?Healthmark educators Seth Hendee and Cheron Rojo discuss what a KPI is and how they are important in device processing.2020-12-1715 min

Ask the Educator33. What Do We Need To Know About Insulation Testing?In this episode, Educators Seth Hendee and Cheron Rojo talk about the basics of insulation testing and what we need to know.2020-12-1019 min

Ask the Educator32. Five States Now Require Certification For Sterile Processing Techs, What's Next? Interview With Tony MonacoPennsylvania has just made news with the passing of a law that will require sterile processing techs to have certification. This is great news of course! But where do we go from here? It has been twenty years since New Jersey became the first state to pass a similar law/regulation. How do we continue to elevate the level of education in the industry? In this interview, we speak with Tony Monaco, one of the leaders that led the charge for certification in New Jersey and learn from his insights on how we can move forward.2020-12-0324 min

Ask the Educator31. The TOSI Story With Stephen KovachStephen Kovach shares his experience with TOSI as a former manager and how it became an invaluable tool for him when troubleshooting his faulty washer disinfectors.2020-11-1916 min

Ask the Educator30. The WFHSS Digital Day 2020: Interview With Harry OussorenThe World Federation for Hospital Sterilization Sciences (WFHSS), like most organizations that provide a conference type education program, has had to pivot and offer their conference in a digital format. Harry Oussoren shares what we need to know about the Digital Day education program coming up this November 26th.2020-11-1219 min

Ask the Educator29. The Ten Factors Of Cleaning Series Wrap Up (Part 11)In this episode Stephen Kovach discusses the origin of the ten factors of cleaning as well as why these factors are so important.2020-11-0512 min

Ask the Educator28. What Can We Learn From The Blue62 Story: Interview With Rod ParkerIn this interview, Rod Parker, Senior Principal Scientist at Stryker, gives us a behind the scenes look at the development of the Blue62 detergent. He also helps us to answer the question... is there one detergent that is ideal for all circumstances?2020-10-2930 min

Ask the Educator27. Land of Lost Instrumentation: How to Handle the Mystery of Missing InstrumentsCheron Rojo and Kevin Anderson discuss ways to handle the common problem of missing instruments.2020-10-2216 min

Ask the Educator26. Key Points About Cleaning VerificationRalph Basile and host Kevin Anderson discuss cleaning verification. When used correctly, cleaning verification products can be a great tool for auditing your cleaning process. However, it is important to understand the limitations of these important tools so that we don't misuse them.2020-10-1515 min

Ask the Educator25. The Ten Factors of Cleaning Series (Part 10): ChemistriesStephen Kovach and Kevin Anderson cover the last of the ten factors of cleaning and discuss the importance of cleaning chemistries.2020-10-0816 min

Ask the Educator24. The Ten Factors of Cleaning Series (Part 9): Type of SoilIn this episode, Stephen Kovach explains how the type of soil you are trying to clean can impact the effectiveness of your cleaning process.2020-10-0115 min

Ask the Educator23. The Ten Factors of Cleaning Series (Part 8): MechanicalStephen Kovach and Kevin Anderson continue their 10 factors of cleaning series. In this episode, they discuss the mechanical factor impacts the outcomes of the cleaning process.2020-09-2415 min

Ask the Educator22. The Ten Factors of Cleaning Series (Part 7): Dilution/ConcentrationIn this edition of the Ten Factors of Cleaning series, Stephen Kovach explains how the dilution and concentration of detergents is one of the critical factors of cleaning reusable medical devices.2020-09-1715 min

Ask the Educator21. The Ten Factors of Cleaning Series (Part 6): WaterStephen Kovach speaks with host Kevin Anderson about how water is one of the 10 factors of cleaning and what we need to know about it.2020-09-1015 min

Ask the Educator20. Finding a Safe and Effective Way to Process PPE: An Interview with Dr. Kaye and Dr. RobertsDr. Kaye and Dr. Roberts, from University of Michigan Medicine, share their story of multidisciplinary collaboration that led to finding the safest and most effective way to process n95 masks.2020-09-0330 min

Ask the Educator19. The Ten Factors of Cleaning Series (Part 5): TemperatureStephen Kovach shares how temperature makes one of the ten critical factors of cleaning, and why you should be monitoring water temperature.2020-08-2715 min

Ask the Educator18. The Ten Factors of Cleaning Series (Part 4): StandardsKevin Anderson and Stephen Kovach continue the 10 factors of cleaning series, and discuss how industry standards impact our cleaning processes.2020-08-2015 min

Ask the Educator17. The Ten Factors of Cleaning Series (part 3): Human FactorsIn this episode, Stephen Kovach and Kevin Anderson discuss a third factor of the ten factors of cleaning... the human factor. 2020-08-1313 min

Ask the Educator16. The Ten Factors of Cleaning Series (part 2): The DeviceIn this episode, Stephen Kovach and Kevin Anderson discuss how the device design is one of the ten factors that effect the cleaning process.2020-08-0613 min

Ask the Educator15. The Ten Factors of Cleaning (Part 1): The IFUIn this episode, Stephen Kovach introduces the ten factors of cleaning. Then, Stephen takes a deeper dive into the IFU as one of the factors of cleaning.2020-07-3015 min

Ask the Educator14. What Does a Brush Specialist Do?In this episode, we talk with one of the members of Healthmark's sales team, Abby Markielewicz. She shares with us some of the unique services that she provides to help customers get the brushes they need.2020-07-2314 min

Ask the Educator13. What is Delayed Processing of Endoscopes?In this episode, Kevin Anderson and John Whelan discuss delayed endoscope processing. John answers the questions, what is delayed processing and how do we do it correctly?2020-07-1610 min

Ask the Educator12. Listener Questions and FeedbackKevin and Stephen Kovach discuss customer questions and feedback to previous episodes. Topics covered in this episode include knowing your ultrasonic IFU before you purchase, and how to manage your water quality. 2020-07-0212 min

Ask the Educator11. Hands Across the Water: An Interview with Harry Oussoren and Adam OkadaIn this special edition episode we talk with Harry Oussoren, Sterile Medical Device Expert from the Netherlands, and Adam Okada, SPD Educator from California. Harry and Adam share what has changed in their respective departments during the pandemic, and whether or not those changes will last after the pandemic. 2020-06-2522 min

Ask the Educator10. How do I Know that my Ultrasonic is Cleaning Lumened Devices Effectively?Ultrasonic irrigators are indispensable pieces of equipment in any SPD. However, all of our cleaning equipment is subject to failure. We need to make sure that our equipment is working properly. In this episode, we talk with Stephen Kovach about how to know if our ultrasonic cleaners are cleaning the inside of lumens adequately. 2020-06-1812 min

Ask the Educator9. Bonus Episode - Interview with Infection Preventionist Jackie DaleyJackie shares with us observations and lessons learned regarding PPE during the pandemic. 2020-06-1635 min

Ask the Educator8. What is Cavitation, and How do we Know Our Ultrasonic has Adequate Cavitation?Stephen Kovach explains ultrasonic cavitation, how to test for it, and why it is important.2020-06-1114 min

Ask the Educator7. What Should be Done About Water Quality as Surgical Schedules Begin to Ramp up Again?Surgical schedules are picking up again, and in some cases, very quickly. We talk with Seth Hendee about what happens to our water when our equipment is not in use, and what we can do to ensure the water quality is where it needs to be to avoid any negative impact to our patients. For further guidance on water quality, check out the reference AAMI TIR34.2020-06-0412 min

Ask the Educator6. Bonus Episode - Interview with Michelle HosteMichelle Hoste, SPD Manager and military veteran, shares how her team collaborated with other departments and Infection Control to come up with a way to safely process n95 masks, keeping their frontline equipped with the PPE they need to combat the pandemic.2020-06-0220 min

Ask the Educator5. How to Ensure Effective Competency TrainingGuest Educator, Seth Hendee speaks about how to ensure proper competency training. Seth was formerly an Educator for a large SPD and had a lot of experience performing competency trainings. He shares two main tips to help us do it right.2020-05-2814 min

Ask the Educator4. How Do I Know My Endoscope Leak Tester is Working?In this episode, we talk with Cheron Rojo, Clinical Educator at Healthmark about leak testers. Leak testing is a critical step in endoscope processing, but like many steps in the cycle of reusable medical devices can be prone to failure. Cheron shares with us great insight into how we make sure our leak tester is working.2020-05-2112 min

Ask the Educator3. How to Ensure Proper Cleaning of Arthroscopic Shavers - Part 2In this episode, we finish our conversation with Healthmark's Educator Stephen Kovach about how to ensure proper cleaning of arthroscopic shavers.2020-05-1413 min

Ask the Educator2. How to Ensure Proper Cleaning of Arthroscopic Shavers - Part 1In this episode, Kevin Anderson and Stephen Kovach discuss the keys to ensuring proper cleaning of arthroscopic shavers.2020-05-0712 min

Ask the Educator1. Ensuring Safe Transport of Contaminated Items in Light of Covid19The covid19 pandemic has led to many sterile processing departments being asked to reprocess items that are outside the norm. In this episode, we ask Stephen Kovach how SPD can ensure proper transportation and labeling of contaminated items during these unprecedented times.2020-04-3013 min