Below the Hospital

New Research on Tackling Endoscope Biofilm Buildup

Infections from contaminated endoscopes or duodenoscopes can be hard to track and lethal. But new research on endoscope processing may provide a way for sterile processing professionals to deal with biofilm buildup in the SPD. Daniel Lightfoot of Nanosonics joins Below the Hospital host Garland-Rhea Grisby to discuss research that he recently presented at HSPA 2026, and his findings on a better way to tackle the cyclical buildup of biofilm.

Combating Medical Waste in Sterile Processing

The medical field is a massive producer of waste. But sustainability practices can help combat this problem without compromising on patient safety. Marcia Frieze of Case Medical joins us this week to talk about environmental safety, the potential of enzymatic detergents, and how you can contribute to the state of the art in sterile processing. Disclaimer: Case Medical is a manufacturer of enzymes.

Using Facility and Equipment Planning to Future Proof Sterile Processing

Delores O'Connell of STERIS joins host Garland-Rhea Grisby Sr. to discuss the how and why of equipment planning in sterile processing. Learn how to future-proof your facility, what it takes to design a new one, and how you can work with other departments in your workplace like clinical engineering.

Keeping Packaging Safe, Sterile, and Predictable

When sterile packaging fails, SPD pays the price. Sade Brown, PhD, R&D engineer and scientist with global healthcare solutions company Owens & Minor, joins host Garland Grisby Sr. to discuss the science behind sterile packaging and how to combat common issues like loss of sterile barrier integrity, and wet packs.

Navigating IFUs and Surveyor Visits in the SPD

Rebecca Peplau, Clinical Education specialist at Healthmark joins host Garland-Rhea Grisby Sr. to chat about what today’s sterile processing professionals need the most. The answer? Clear guidance, ongoing education, and stronger support systems.