Qosina’s new Swabbable Needleless Injection Site product is designed to prevent accidental needle sticks. It incorporates a one-way valve, to be used for injection only and prevent retrograde flow. When the connection is removed, the valve will reseal against backflow even when used with viscous solutions. This injection site features a needleless female luer port to a male luer slip and is equipped with a luer-activated valve that allows any standard male luer to open the connection. Composed of polycarbonate, silicone and polyisoprene, the connector is made of biocompatible materials that are are latex-free, DEHP-Free and PVC-Free. For more information, visit www.qosina.com.
Innovative Product Achievements, LLC, awarded AORN Seal
The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) has awarded the AORN Seal of Recognition to an education program developed by Innovative Product Achievements, LLC, (IPA). The IPA Recommended Practice Program for scrubEx provides operating room staff with a sample policy, competency assessment and software based compliance monitoring capabilities for the laundering of scrubs and daily change of warm up jackets. This comprehensive program provides all necessary components to ensure complete compliance with AORN Recommended Practice for Surgical Attire.
The AORN Seal of Recognition confirms that the content of training and in-service programs and materials has undergone thorough review by AORN and meets the guidelines set forth in AORN’s Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. While not a product endorsement, the Seal of Recognition demonstrates that the promotional and informative material related to a product or services has met AORN guidelines.
CSSD profession spotlighted in TODAY show segment
The Central Sterile Supply profession found itself in the national spotlight Feb. 22 with the airing of an NBC TODAY show segment that addressed the dangers of contaminated surgical instruments and the need for adequate training and certification of CSSD technicians.
The segment – which was partially filmed at BON SECOURS-Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Va., and featured an interview with IAHCSMM President-Elect Sharon Greene-Golden, CRCST, FCS, who serves as SPD manager at the hospital – stemmed from an investigative report by The Center for Public Integrity. The Washington-based news organization first contacted IAHCSMM last September to learn more about the CSSD profession, the challenges they face, and their vital role in the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care. Greene-Golden, IAHCSMM Educational Director Natalie Lind and IAHCSMM Government Affairs Director Josephine Colacci, JD, all contributed information that helped frame the report’s development.
While the news reports underscore the role that instruments can play in hospital-acquired infections and highlight the dangers patients face if hospitals fail to allocate sufficient attention and resources to those responsible for instrument processing, the reports also highlighted that CSSD technicians are among the hardest-working, yet least appreciated and understood contributors to infection prevention and the delivery of quality patient care.
“CSSD professionals often lack the respect they deserve, and that’s something that IAHCSMM is working hard to change,” said Lind. She stressed that while many factors may contribute to infections and other negative surgical outcomes, many of which were not explored in today’s media reports, there’s no question that education and certification is critical for driving quality and professionalism in the department, and keeping technicians abreast of the latest standards and technological advancements.
“Misconceptions about the CSSD profession still exist and more work is needed to further educate the public — and media professionals — about what we do and why,” Lind continued. “Today’s media coverage did serve a valuable purpose in opening up much-needed dialogue, with a vast audience, about the CSSD’s critical role in the hospital. IAHCSMM will continue serving in this educational role, and we are confident that more positive developments will arise as a result.”
The Center for Public Integrity is currently writing a follow-up article that directly addresses the CSSD certification issue, and IAHCSMM’s legislative initiatives. Colacci, who was interviewed for the article, said national media coverage provided by IAHCSMM and other outlets that educate the public on the CSSD’s critical role could also have a favorable impact on certification legislation at the state level.
“Any forum that promotes education and meaningful discussion amongst the public and state-elected officials could go a long way toward driving further progress on the push for certification.” New Jersey is currently the sole state in the nation to require certification, but significant progress is being made in other states. This month, New York introduced certification legislation and bills are also pending in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Numerous other states are actively educating state-elected officials on the CSSD’s role in patient safety and infection prevention, and the about the benefits of certification and ongoing education.
“We are definitely making positive strides,” Colacci continued. “The next state to pass legislation will likely be the tipping point for many others to follow. This is why education and awareness is so critical.”
To view the TODAY show segment, visit today.msnbc.msn.com. The Center for Public Integrity report can be accessed at iwatchnews.org.
Convatec introduces wound dressing with hydrofiber
ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, today announced the availability of AQUACEL EXTRA wound dressing with strengthening fiber in the U.S.
AQUACEL EXTRA wound dressing is composed of two layers of HydrofiberTechnology stitched together, designed to make it nine times stronger than current AQUACEL wound dressings, and to give an increased absorbency of 39 percent over the current AQUACEL wound dressing. Cleared for the same indications as AQUACEL wound dressing products, AQUACEL EXTRA wound dressing will be specifically suitable when managing moderate to highly exuding wounds.
For more information, visit convatec.com.
Sepsis Test Receives FDA Clearance
Nanosphere has received clearance from the FDA for the Verigene Staphylococcus Blood Culture Nucleic Acid Test (BC-S). The BC-S test expands Nanosphere’s infectious disease test capabilities to include the detection of bacteria that cause deadly bloodstream infections in two hours. Sepsis is a potentially deadly medical condition that is characterized by a whole-body inflammatory state and the presence of a known or suspected infection. There are approximately one million cases of sepsis annually in the U.S.
Medical Specialties Distributors now distributes AquaGuard
Specialties Distributors, LLC (MSD), a provider of infusion products, supplies, biomedical services and technology to the home infusion market, is extending its leadership in the alternate site infusion market by adding impermeable moisture barriers to their portfolio of products with the launch of AquaGuard by Cenroin.
AquaGuard is a disposable, impermeable moisture barrier that allows the clinician or patient to cover catheter sites, surgical incisions or dressings, to keep them dry when showering. For more information on AquaGuard and other infusion products and services offered by MSD call (800) 967-6400 or visit msdonline.com.
