PROCESS THIS!, a Podcast by HSPA
Education & Explainer
About
An in-depth look at the processes that stand as the essential base for the sterile processing industry.
Episodes
- Process THIS! Episode 150: ST108 Implementation Pinch Points
Water quality plays a critical role in surgical procedures, clinical diagnostics and medical research as well as the overall operation of healthcare facilities. Yet, confusion often surrounds ST108 and water management in Sterile Processin…
- Process THIS! Episode 149: Meet the New President!
The HSPA Board of Directors has a new president for 2026! In episode 149, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Jan Prudent about her inspirations and ideas and the importance of integrity. Prudent shares her views on the current state of our…
- Process THIS! Episode 148: Harmonizing Process and Policy
Harmonizing Process and Policy Large, multi-facility healthcare systems, sometimes spread across several counties or states, pose unique challenges for Sterile Processing (SP) leaders. Competing state and local regulations as well as physi…
- Process THIS! Episode 147: Updating HSPA’s CHL Manual
To meet the needs of Sterile Processing (SP) professionals around the world, HSPA regularly updates its technical publications. In 2026, we are proud to present the fifth edition of our Sterile Processing Leadership Manual. The forthcoming…
- Process THIS! Episode 146: Sustainability and Shelf Life for Blue Wrap
Sterilization wrap is a science unto itself. Individuals, organizations and companies around the world constantly seek safer, more durable options for keeping our patients safe, while considering the ecological effects of healthcare waste.…
- Process THIS! Episode 145: A History of Sterilization
A History of Sterilization The history of the science of sterilization is fascinating and tied inextricably with developments in germ theory and infection prevention. The pioneers of sterilization, at times working against great odds, laid…
- Process THIS! Episode 144: The Framework of an HSPA Certification
Just like the work of sterile processing, HSPA certifications are robust, relevant, and constantly evolving. The process of keeping certification exams and requirements up to date involves years of work, the expertise of subject matter exp…
- Process THIS! Episode 143: Breaking Down Biofilm
Biofilm is “comprised of living cells and a structure to protect them . . . that has potentially infectious material within it.” The structure creates a physical barrier between the microorganisms and their environment, providing protectio…
- Process THIS! Episode 142: Self-Care for Leaders of Volunteer Organizations
Leading in a volunteer organization, motivated by passion and not pay, poses a new set of challenges compared to a paid leadership position. The work can be taxing, and done on personal hours after an already busy day. Volunteer leaders re…
- Process THIS! Episode 141: The AORN Sterile Processing & Supply Chain Specialty Assembly
Through the development of guidelines and education, AORN helps advance the science of sterile processing and promote it as an integral part of the surgical continuum. One way AORN works toward meeting that goal is through the activities o…
- Process THIS! Episode 140: Breaking Down Blue Wrap
Sterilization wrap is “not just a big blue plastic sheet.” According to Dr. Sade Brown, “It may look simple, but it is actually high-tech. Behind the scenes, there is a huge amount of science and engineering and testing that goes into it.”…
- Process THIS! Episode 139: Sterile Processing Certification Legislation Update
HSPA is a vigorous advocate for Sterile Processing (SP) professionals and patients in state legislatures across the country. This initiative is spearheaded by the HSPA Advocacy Team, working hand-in-hand with HSPA Chapters. The team formul…
- Process THIS! December 2025 Special Episode: The HSPA Foundation
The HSPA Season of Giving is here! To help advance patient safety, the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association established the HSPA Foundation in 2016. Dedicated Sterile Processing (SP) professionals commit to continuing education and pr…
- Process THIS! Episode 138: AAMI Update
For more than 50 years, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has helped healthcare professionals define best practices for employees, equipment and patients. AAMI standards are written through careful debat…
- Process This! Episode 137: A Technician’s Experience on a Mercy Ships Mission
Since 1978, the Mercy Ships organization has served patients in parts of the world where medical resources are difficult to access. In that time, Mercy Ships doctors, nurses and technicians, all volunteers, have performed more than 100,000…
- Process This! Episode 136: HSPA Chapter Resource Roundup
HSPA Chapter Resource Roundup With more than 50 chapters across the country and around the world, HSPA’s affiliated chapter system is available as a local resource to support our Sterile Processing (SP) professionals, wherever they may be.…
- Process This! Episode 135: Lean SPD
The concept of Lean has been around for many years. What started as a manufacturing concept has been embraced by healthcare as an effective system to increase efficiency while maintaining quality in patient care. However, if its goals and…
- Process This! Episode 134: Clarifying Water Treatment Methods
The quality of our water varies dramatically—by location, season and source—and the presence of impurities can have a significant impact on all aspects of instrument processing. For the safety of our patients, healthcare professionals must…
- Process This! Episode 133: Cybersecurity Concerns in Healthcare
Like every business, healthcare systems are vulnerable to cyberattack in all of its many forms. For those in healthcare, however, the security of the information we access has special significance. Healthcare systems keep detailed records…
- Process This! Episode 132: The WHY of Perioperative Compliance
What we do as a perioperative team matters. Day and night, 365 days a year, we save, heal and improve the wellbeing of our patients. In the Sterile Processing department (SPD), compliance with evidence- and consensus-based standards and gu…
- Process This! Episode 131: Consequences of Difficult-to-Clean Instruments
All surgical instruments take effort to render clean and sterile, but some instruments by their design are more difficult to clean than others. Narrow channels, long lumens and tight tolerances challenge our decontamination professionals t…
- Process This! Episode 130: Tips for Loaned Tray Management
Managing loaned instrument sets presents difficulties for even the most organized Sterile Processing departments (SPDs). Hospitals and surgery centers with high procedural volume as well as those performing cutting-edge surgeries may see t…
- Process This! Episode 129: Discussing POU Treatment with Procedural Partners
Surgical instruments require consistent care from use, through processing and storage, and back to the procedural area. This care saves healthcare systems money and, more importantly, assures that practitioners have the tools that they nee…
- Process This! Episode 128: Demystifying IFU
Following manufacturers’ instructions for use (IFU) is among the most important responsibilities of the Sterile Processing (SP) team, and every item in our departments has an IFU—surgical instruments, processing equipment, detergents, disi…
- Process This! Episode 127: Skincare Strategies for Healthcare Workers
Our skin is not just a thing of beauty. It is our largest organ. It prevents water loss and protects us from infection, allergens and ultraviolet light. Although proper hand hygiene is essential to the work of Sterile Processing profession…
- Process This! Episode 126: Quality Management Systems in the Sterile Processing Workflow
Data drives improvement in business, and healthcare is no exception. With the effective use of a quality management system (QMS), Sterile Processing (SP) professionals can use data they already collect, including sterilizer printouts and b…
- Process This! Episode 125: Chemical Safety in the SPD
The chemicals used in Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) pose serious risks, and Alex Hilliker of ChemDAQ, Inc. believes that chemical safety is not discussed enough. In episode 125, host Jon Wood speaks with Hilliker, who explains the…
- Process This! Episode 124: AORN Guidelines Update
In episode 124, host Jon Wood speaks with AORN Senior Perioperative Practice Specialist Amber Wood about how AORN Guidelines address numerous pertinent topics related to Sterile Processing, including challenges associated with 3D-printed i…
- Process This! Episode 123: Confronting Excessive Instruments
In episode 123, host Jon Wood speaks with Dr. Leo Gordon on the topic of excessive instruments found in Sterile Processing trays. As a physician, Gordon shares his unique viewpoint regarding the large quantity of instruments found on the O…
- Process This! Episode 122: Sterile Barrier Wrap
In episode 122, host Jon Wood speaks with members of the KiiP team about sterile barrier wrap, more commonly known as “blue wrap.” Karina Engels from Owens & Minor/Halyard, Amanda Benedict from AAMI, Tanya Magana of Ecolab, Jennifer Zeck f…
- Process This! Episode 121: Sterile Processing Workstations
In episode 121, host Jon Wood speaks with Hannah Schroeder about one of the most important tools in Sterile Processing (SP): workstations. Schroeder discusses the primary functions, evolution and future potential of the SP workstation. She…
- Process This! Episode 120: Rediscovering Sterile Processing
In episode 120, host Jon Wood speaks with Frederick Westermeyer about his journey in rediscovering Sterile Processing (SP) after surviving a traumatic medical issue and the resulting infection that lead to an amputation. As an SP clinical…
- Process This! Episode 119: Sterile Processing Sharps Safety
In episode 119, host Jon Wood speaks with Sterile Processing (SP) Consultant and Clinical Educator Casey Czarnowski about sharps injuries. Czarnowski explains the dangers of bloodborne pathogens contracted by seemingly minor scrapes, cuts…
- Process This! Episode 118: Bullying in Sterile Processing
In episode 118, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA’s Director of Education Natalie Lind about bullying in Sterile Processing (SP). Lind discusses how the prevalence of bullying in Sterile Processing departments not only breaks down morale but…
- Process This! Episode 117: Positivity and Mindfulness in Sterile Processing
In episode 117, host Jon Wood speaks with Jan Prudent about cultivating confidence among the Sterile Processing (SP) team and helping staff members overcome self-doubt. Prudent discusses strategies for being mindful of team members in orde…
- Process This! Episode 116: IFU From the Simple to the Complex
In episode 116, host Jon Wood speaks with Tami Heacock, System Director of Sterile Processing with Lee Health, about instructions for use (IFU) and the daily challenges faced in the Sterile Processing department (SPD). Heacock discusses th…
- Process This! Episode 115: Sterile Processing Hiring and Culture Improvements
In episode 115, host Jon Wood speaks with Jeremy Thompson and Gary Wright, Sterile Processing Educators at the University of Kansas Health System, about the hiring challenges in Sterile Processing and modifying the culture to make employme…
- Process This! Episode 114: Canadian Standards Association for Sterile Processing
In episode 114, host Jon Wood speaks with Barry Pickrem about the contrast between the Canadian Standards Association for Sterile Processing and the standards found in the United States, particularly ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017/(R)2022 Comprehensi…
- Process This! Episode 113: Keeping a Positive Culture in Sterile Processing
In episode 113, host Jon Wood speaks with Elizabeth Casey about cultures in Sterile Processing (SP) and the importance of keeping a positive outlook despite the many negative aspects encountered in the field. Casey discusses how approachin…
- Process This! Episode 112: The Relationship Between Biomed and Sterile Processing
In episode 112, host Jon Wood speaks with Michele McKinley about the unique possibilities for partnership between the Biomedical and Sterile Processing departments. McKinley addresses how to build this relationship, the opportunities and c…
- Process This! Episode 111: Bosses Vs. Leaders
In episode 111, host Jon Wood speaks with Preston Rosales about the differences between bosses and true leaders in Sterile Processing (SP). Rosales explains that leaders are often bosses, but bosses are not always leaders, and offers scena…
- Process This! Episode 110: Mentoring in a Sterile Processing Environment
In episode 110, host Jon Wood speaks with Jennifer Behlmann about mentoring in Sterile Processing. Behlman discusses the importance of passing on knowledge and experience to others through a deliberate process of “intentional mentorship.”…
- Process This! Episode 109: Surprising Data on Sterile Processing Packaging
In episode 109, host Jon Wood speaks with Malinda Elammari, Clinical Education Specialist at Healthmark Industries, a Getinge company, about unexpected data on packaging in the SPD. Elammari reviews packaging types and levels as well as co…
- Process This! Episode 108: Sterile Processing and Dental Instruments
In episode 108, host Jon Wood speaks with Julie Morrill and Karen Raposa, regional managers at HuFriedyGroup, aChicago-based dental supply and equipment company. Morrill and Raposa sink their teeth into infection prevention compliance asso…
- Process This! Episode 107: The Ergonomic Benefits of Work-Area Layout in the SPD
In episode 107, host Jon Wood speaks with Hannah Schroeder, Clinical Education Specialist at Pure Processing. Schroeder provides her recommendations and rationalizations for record keeping, time stamping, organization, and foot-traffic flo…
- Process This! Episode 106: HSPA Foundation & Mercy Ships: A Shared Mission to Change Lives
In episode 106, host Jon Wood speaks with Kimberly Ames, the Global Programatic Lead Recruiter and U.S. Recruitment Manager at Mercy Ships, about the importance of the Mercy Ships mission, what it takes to volunteer, and the steps necessar…
- Process This! Episode 105: Drying Medical Devices Before Sterilization: A Vital Step
In episode 105, host Jon Wood speaks with Ann Hewitt and Bob Straub from CENORIN about the critical importance of drying instruments prior to sterilization. More specifically, they discuss how moisture present on devices prior to undergoin…
- Process This! Episode 104: AAMI Standard and TIR Updates for Sterile Processing
In episode 104, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA Clinical Educator Sue Klacik about several key AAMI standards and technical information reports (TIRs) that affect Sterile Processing. Specifically, she provides updates about ANSI/AAMI ST108,…
- Process This! Episode 103: Laying the Foundation for a Successful Robotics Service Line
In episode 103, host Jon Wood speaks with Marcy Duffy, Intuitive’s Genesis Reprocessing Product Manager, about robotics in reprocessing. She identifies critical factors to consider when planning a robotics service line, including workflow…
- Process This! Episode 102: All About Your Health in Sterile Processing
In our 102nd episode, host Jon Wood speaks with fitness trainer and nutrition coach, Brenda Edwards, about physical, emotional and mental health. Specifically, she shares her recommendations for mobility activities to address the physical…