This session examines practical strategies to motivate Sterile Processing (SP) technicians and help them remain engaged and committed to their profession. Through real-world examples, leadership insights, and actionable tools, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of SP technicians' challenges and learn how to build a culture of appreciation, growth, and purpose. They will also learn practical ways to reduce turnover, improve morale and cultivate a more resilient SP team.

This workshop provides a detailed review of flexible endoscope components that require close inspection, emphasizing how each component affects device function, integrity and patient safety. Participants will learn to identify signs of normal wear versus preventable damage resulting from improper care and handling. The session will clarify the distinction between critical and non-critical damage, equipping participants with knowledge to make informed decisions during the inspection process. Attendees will strengthen their visual inspection skills, gain confidence in assessing endoscope condition, and leave prepared to serve as knowledgeable training resources within their departments, ultimately supporting better patient outcomes and longer device life.

This workshop provides a detailed review of flexible endoscope components that require close inspection, emphasizing how each component affects device function, integrity and patient safety. Participants will learn to identify signs of normal wear versus preventable damage resulting from improper care and handling. The session will clarify the distinction between critical and non-critical damage, equipping participants with knowledge to make informed decisions during the inspection process. Attendees will strengthen their visual inspection skills, gain confidence in assessing endoscope condition, and leave prepared to serve as knowledgeable training resources within their departments, ultimately supporting better patient outcomes and longer device life.

This workshop provides a detailed review of flexible endoscope components that require close inspection, emphasizing how each component affects device function, integrity and patient safety. Participants will learn to identify signs of normal wear versus preventable damage resulting from improper care and handling. The session will clarify the distinction between critical and non-critical damage, equipping participants with knowledge to make informed decisions during the inspection process. Attendees will strengthen their visual inspection skills, gain confidence in assessing endoscope condition, and leave prepared to serve as knowledgeable training resources within their departments, ultimately supporting better patient outcomes and longer device life.

This workshop provides a detailed review of flexible endoscope components that require close inspection, emphasizing how each component affects device function, integrity and patient safety. Participants will learn to identify signs of normal wear versus preventable damage resulting from improper care and handling. The session will clarify the distinction between critical and non-critical damage, equipping participants with knowledge to make informed decisions during the inspection process. Attendees will strengthen their visual inspection skills, gain confidence in assessing endoscope condition, and leave prepared to serve as knowledgeable training resources within their departments, ultimately supporting better patient outcomes and longer device life.

This workshop provides a detailed review of flexible endoscope components that require close inspection, emphasizing how each component affects device function, integrity and patient safety. Participants will learn to identify signs of normal wear versus preventable damage resulting from improper care and handling. The session will clarify the distinction between critical and non-critical damage, equipping participants with knowledge to make informed decisions during the inspection process. Attendees will strengthen their visual inspection skills, gain confidence in assessing endoscope condition, and leave prepared to serve as knowledgeable training resources within their departments, ultimately supporting better patient outcomes and longer device life.

This workshop provides a detailed review of flexible endoscope components that require close inspection, emphasizing how each component affects device function, integrity and patient safety. Participants will learn to identify signs of normal wear versus preventable damage resulting from improper care and handling. The session will clarify the distinction between critical and non-critical damage, equipping participants with knowledge to make informed decisions during the inspection process. Attendees will strengthen their visual inspection skills, gain confidence in assessing endoscope condition, and leave prepared to serve as knowledgeable training resources within their departments, ultimately supporting better patient outcomes and longer device life.

This workshop will provide SP professionals with a comprehensive overview of the main recommendations and their rationale in ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017/(R)2022, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities, and the four amendments published in 2020. Through an interactive session and discussion of real-life scenarios, participants will gain the knowledge necessary to comply with ST79. The workshop will also provide an overview of the revision roadmap for ST79 and related standards and technical information reports (TIRs) to help SPDs prepare for upcoming changes to the guidance.

This workshop will provide SP professionals with a comprehensive overview of the main recommendations and their rationale in ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017/(R)2022, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities, and the four amendments published in 2020. Through an interactive session and discussion of real-life scenarios, participants will gain the knowledge necessary to comply with ST79. The workshop will also provide an overview of the revision roadmap for ST79 and related standards and technical information reports (TIRs) to help SPDs prepare for upcoming changes to the guidance.

This workshop will provide SP professionals with a comprehensive overview of the main recommendations and their rationale in ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017/(R)2022, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities, and the four amendments published in 2020. Through an interactive session and discussion of real-life scenarios, participants will gain the knowledge necessary to comply with ST79. The workshop will also provide an overview of the revision roadmap for ST79 and related standards and technical information reports (TIRs) to help SPDs prepare for upcoming changes to the guidance.

This workshop will provide SP professionals with a comprehensive overview of the main recommendations and their rationale in ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017/(R)2022, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities, and the four amendments published in 2020. Through an interactive session and discussion of real-life scenarios, participants will gain the knowledge necessary to comply with ST79. The workshop will also provide an overview of the revision roadmap for ST79 and related standards and technical information reports (TIRs) to help SPDs prepare for upcoming changes to the guidance.

Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) are under increasing pressure to meet new recommendations outlined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023, which recommends monthly endotoxin testing at selected points in critical water systems. This is unfamiliar territory for many, as most have never tested for bacterial endotoxins. Those who have either relied on third-party testing companies or outdated lab-based methods with long turnaround times and complex procedures. This session will provide an overview of bacterial endotoxin testing, including what it is and why it matters. We will also cover the basics of gel-clot, plate-based and cartridge testing methods, with side-by-side comparisons of testing steps and equipment.

Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) are under increasing pressure to meet new recommendations outlined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023, which recommends monthly endotoxin testing at selected points in critical water systems. This is unfamiliar territory for many, as most have never tested for bacterial endotoxins. Those who have either relied on third-party testing companies or outdated lab-based methods with long turnaround times and complex procedures. This session will provide an overview of bacterial endotoxin testing, including what it is and why it matters. We will also cover the basics of gel-clot, plate-based and cartridge testing methods, with side-by-side comparisons of testing steps and equipment.

Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) are under increasing pressure to meet new recommendations outlined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023, which recommends monthly endotoxin testing at selected points in critical water systems. This is unfamiliar territory for many, as most have never tested for bacterial endotoxins. Those who have either relied on third-party testing companies or outdated lab-based methods with long turnaround times and complex procedures. This session will provide an overview of bacterial endotoxin testing, including what it is and why it matters. We will also cover the basics of gel-clot, plate-based and cartridge testing methods, with side-by-side comparisons of testing steps and equipment.

Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) are under increasing pressure to meet new recommendations outlined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023, which recommends monthly endotoxin testing at selected points in critical water systems. This is unfamiliar territory for many, as most have never tested for bacterial endotoxins. Those who have either relied on third-party testing companies or outdated lab-based methods with long turnaround times and complex procedures. This session will provide an overview of bacterial endotoxin testing, including what it is and why it matters. We will also cover the basics of gel-clot, plate-based and cartridge testing methods, with side-by-side comparisons of testing steps and equipment.

Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) are under increasing pressure to meet new recommendations outlined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023, which recommends monthly endotoxin testing at selected points in critical water systems. This is unfamiliar territory for many, as most have never tested for bacterial endotoxins. Those who have either relied on third-party testing companies or outdated lab-based methods with long turnaround times and complex procedures. This session will provide an overview of bacterial endotoxin testing, including what it is and why it matters. We will also cover the basics of gel-clot, plate-based and cartridge testing methods, with side-by-side comparisons of testing steps and equipment.

Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) are under increasing pressure to meet new recommendations outlined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023, which recommends monthly endotoxin testing at selected points in critical water systems. This is unfamiliar territory for many, as most have never tested for bacterial endotoxins. Those who have either relied on third-party testing companies or outdated lab-based methods with long turnaround times and complex procedures. This session will provide an overview of bacterial endotoxin testing, including what it is and why it matters. We will also cover the basics of gel-clot, plate-based and cartridge testing methods, with side-by-side comparisons of testing steps and equipment.

This session examines the behavior of non-condensable gases (NCGs) during steam sterilization and their impact on critical sterilization variables, based on data collected from 14 private healthcare institutions in Lima, Peru, that analyzed the performance of chemical indicators, biological indicators, and process challenge devices in the presence of NCGs. The findings highlight the importance of considering NCGs for proper load release and patient safety. Participants will gain insight into optimizing validation, calibration and monitoring practices to ensure effective sterilization outcomes, especially for complex medical devices.

Effective borescope inspection programs aren’t built overnight; they evolve through experience. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn from industry leaders who have developed and refined their programs to meet real-world needs. Discover how borescope inspections are driving results, explore lessons learned, and gain practical strategies to overcome common challenges. Whether you are starting fresh or improving an existing program, this session will provide insights and tools to advance your borescope inspection program.

Effective borescope inspection programs aren’t built overnight; they evolve through experience. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn from industry leaders who have developed and refined their programs to meet real-world needs. Discover how borescope inspections are driving results, explore lessons learned, and gain practical strategies to overcome common challenges. Whether you are starting fresh or improving an existing program, this session will provide insights and tools to advance your borescope inspection program.

Effective borescope inspection programs aren’t built overnight; they evolve through experience. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn from industry leaders who have developed and refined their programs to meet real-world needs. Discover how borescope inspections are driving results, explore lessons learned, and gain practical strategies to overcome common challenges. Whether you are starting fresh or improving an existing program, this session will provide insights and tools to advance your borescope inspection program.

Effective borescope inspection programs aren’t built overnight; they evolve through experience. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn from industry leaders who have developed and refined their programs to meet real-world needs. Discover how borescope inspections are driving results, explore lessons learned, and gain practical strategies to overcome common challenges. Whether you are starting fresh or improving an existing program, this session will provide insights and tools to advance your borescope inspection program.

Effective borescope inspection programs aren’t built overnight; they evolve through experience. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn from industry leaders who have developed and refined their programs to meet real-world needs. Discover how borescope inspections are driving results, explore lessons learned, and gain practical strategies to overcome common challenges. Whether you are starting fresh or improving an existing program, this session will provide insights and tools to advance your borescope inspection program.

Effective borescope inspection programs aren’t built overnight; they evolve through experience. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn from industry leaders who have developed and refined their programs to meet real-world needs. Discover how borescope inspections are driving results, explore lessons learned, and gain practical strategies to overcome common challenges. Whether you are starting fresh or improving an existing program, this session will provide insights and tools to advance your borescope inspection program.

Developing a successful borescope inspection program takes more than just a borescope. In this engaging workshop, you'll learn directly from industry professionals who have built and refined inspection programs tailored to their facilities. Explore practical solutions to common challenges and gain actionable strategies to launch or improve your own program. Through this interactive presentation and open discussions, you will leave with the knowledge and confidence to make your inspection efforts more effective.

This session explores strategies to support employees beyond their first 90 days, with a focus on intentional skill development that boosts engagement and confidence throughout the first year. Attendees will learn practical approaches to encourage ongoing growth, strengthen teams, and sustain long-term success beyond orientation.

Collaborate with other participants in this escape-room-inspired educational experience. Utilize a variety of product solutions, instructions for use (IFU) and recommendations and standards, to find clues or keys necessary for solving puzzles and escaping the room before the time runs out.

Collaborate with other participants in this escape-room-inspired educational experience. Utilize a variety of product solutions, instructions for use (IFU) and recommendations and standards, to find clues or keys necessary for solving puzzles and escaping the room before the time runs out.

Collaborate with other participants in this escape-room-inspired educational experience. Utilize a variety of product solutions, instructions for use (IFU) and recommendations and standards, to find clues or keys necessary for solving puzzles and escaping the room before the time runs out.

Collaborate with other participants in this escape-room-inspired educational experience. Utilize a variety of product solutions, instructions for use (IFU) and recommendations and standards, to find clues or keys necessary for solving puzzles and escaping the room before the time runs out.

Collaborate with other participants in this escape-room-inspired educational experience. Utilize a variety of product solutions, instructions for use (IFU) and recommendations and standards, to find clues or keys necessary for solving puzzles and escaping the room before the time runs out.

Collaborate with other participants in this escape-room-inspired educational experience. Utilize a variety of product solutions, instructions for use (IFU) and recommendations and standards, to find clues or keys necessary for solving puzzles and escaping the room before the time runs out.

This session provides leaders with a practical toolkit for projecting confidence, framing strategic messages and driving executive-level decisions.

This session examines the critical role of HVAC systems in maintaining optimal air pressure, temperature, and humidity in the Sterile Processing department. It addresses the potential risks associated with HVAC system failures, including hazardous working conditions, operational disruptions, waste of materials, and costly recovery efforts. Mitigation strategies, preparedness, and response plans will be highlighted, and attendees will learn how to collaborate more effectively to develop policies and procedures for HVAC-system outages. Real-world examples will be presented to provide insights into HVAC failures, their impacts, and recovery approaches.

Missing instruments aren’t just a nuisance; they are data points. This session examines how Sterile Processing professionals can use routine documentation to uncover patterns, reduce errors, and inform more informed decisions. Learn how basic informatics principles, such as data tracking and workflow analysis, can help identify root causes, improve tray accuracy and enhance communication with the OR, all without requiring advanced software.

A growing body of evidence shows that patient-ready endoscopes can remain contaminated despite high-level disinfection or sterilization. Investigators have described the phenomenon of cyclic biofilm build-up (CBB), how it occurs and why it can defeat even the most rigorous manual reprocessing practice. The first phase of this research focused on CBB in a straight lumen. In phase two, the investigators studied CBB in an assembled endoscope to better understand how endoscope structure and lumen geometry can hinder biofilm removal. The speaker will review how and why CBB forms; why colonization and transmission are likely higher than previously understood; how the design, structure and geometry of endoscopes can complicate biofilm removal; and use study data to explore the efficacy of different cleaning methods against CBB.

This session examines the newly published AAMI TIR109:2025, which provides updated guidance on transporting reusable medical devices outside healthcare facilities. Attendees will review key requirements related to transport carriers, environmental monitoring, packaging practices, and documentation standards. Using real-world scenarios and survey-style questions, participants will gain practical insight into developing transport protocols that support quality, safety and compliance.

Turning ideas, whether related to budgeting, staffing, supplies or capital equipment, into meaningful presentations that resonate is a skill in itself. By carefully gauging your presentation against a few key elements, you will strengthen your points and the ability to deliver with confidence, clarity and purpose, making your message drop-the-mic worthy.

Turning ideas, whether related to budgeting, staffing, supplies or capital equipment, into meaningful presentations that resonate is a skill in itself. By carefully gauging your presentation against a few key elements, you will strengthen your points and the ability to deliver with confidence, clarity and purpose, making your message drop-the-mic worthy.

Turning ideas, whether related to budgeting, staffing, supplies or capital equipment, into meaningful presentations that resonate is a skill in itself. By carefully gauging your presentation against a few key elements, you will strengthen your points and the ability to deliver with confidence, clarity and purpose, making your message drop-the-mic worthy.

Turning ideas, whether related to budgeting, staffing, supplies or capital equipment, into meaningful presentations that resonate is a skill in itself. By carefully gauging your presentation against a few key elements, you will strengthen your points and the ability to deliver with confidence, clarity and purpose, making your message drop-the-mic worthy.

Turning ideas, whether related to budgeting, staffing, supplies or capital equipment, into meaningful presentations that resonate is a skill in itself. By carefully gauging your presentation against a few key elements, you will strengthen your points and the ability to deliver with confidence, clarity and purpose, making your message drop-the-mic worthy.

Turning ideas, whether related to budgeting, staffing, supplies or capital equipment, into meaningful presentations that resonate is a skill in itself. By carefully gauging your presentation against a few key elements, you will strengthen your points and the ability to deliver with confidence, clarity and purpose, making your message drop-the-mic worthy.

Sterile Processing professionals are critical to patient safety, especially during crises. This session presents real-world Sterile Processing department emergency response plans, including establishing backup reprocessing locations, training for rapid staff redeployment, and validating sterilization during power disruptions.

Redefining endoscope reprocessing requires more than policy; it demands partnership. This session explores how interdisciplinary collaboration between Infection Prevention and Sterile Processing can extend endoscope hang time beyond seven days while upholding patient safety. By implementing evidence-based practices, leveraging technology, and embracing high-reliability principles, teams can drive sustainable, standardized improvements. Discover how a multidisciplinary approach fosters innovation, improves workflow and elevates compliance in flexible endoscope reprocessing.

Achieving Sterile Processing excellence is possible if you have the right tools and mindset. This presentation will outline practical approaches to setting goals, measuring success, and striving for excellence. Whether you are looking to improve personally or professionally, knowing how to "set the bar" can be transformative and award-winning.

What happens when your SPD is stuck in survival mode? This session breaks down the warning signs of SPD distress and offers a roadmap for turning it into a scalable, high-performing asset. Attendees will learn how to assess gaps, implement business intelligence, and prepare processes for long-term growth. The session will also explore how centralized or consolidated SPD operations can reduce delays, improve accountability and eliminate scattered workflows. Whether you're keeping pace with growth or working to right-size the ship, this session delivers actionable steps for revitalizing your SPD and aligning it with surgical and system-wide goals.

In this highly interactive session, participants will analyze real-world sterilization scenarios—including biological and chemical indicators (BIs and CIs), load photos, and sterilizer data—to identify common quality assurance (QA) errors in the sterilization process. Through scenario-based challenges, group discussions and guided debriefs, attendees will refine their ability to detect improper load configuration, misuse of process challenge devices (PCDs), incorrect BI activation, and deviations from current standards. The session concludes with best-practice takeaways aligned with ANSO/AAMI ST79, indicator methodology, and institutional QA frameworks. Interactive questions will be integrated throughout the session to stimulate critical thinking and confirm real-time understanding.

In this highly interactive session, participants will analyze real-world sterilization scenarios—including biological and chemical indicators (BIs and CIs), load photos, and sterilizer data—to identify common quality assurance (QA) errors in the sterilization process. Through scenario-based challenges, group discussions and guided debriefs, attendees will refine their ability to detect improper load configuration, misuse of process challenge devices (PCDs), incorrect BI activation, and deviations from current standards. The session concludes with best-practice takeaways aligned with ANSO/AAMI ST79, indicator methodology, and institutional QA frameworks. Interactive questions will be integrated throughout the session to stimulate critical thinking and confirm real-time understanding.

In this highly interactive session, participants will analyze real-world sterilization scenarios—including biological and chemical indicators (BIs and CIs), load photos, and sterilizer data—to identify common quality assurance (QA) errors in the sterilization process. Through scenario-based challenges, group discussions and guided debriefs, attendees will refine their ability to detect improper load configuration, misuse of process challenge devices (PCDs), incorrect BI activation, and deviations from current standards. The session concludes with best-practice takeaways aligned with ANSO/AAMI ST79, indicator methodology, and institutional QA frameworks. Interactive questions will be integrated throughout the session to stimulate critical thinking and confirm real-time understanding.

In this highly interactive session, participants will analyze real-world sterilization scenarios—including biological and chemical indicators (BIs and CIs), load photos, and sterilizer data—to identify common quality assurance (QA) errors in the sterilization process. Through scenario-based challenges, group discussions and guided debriefs, attendees will refine their ability to detect improper load configuration, misuse of process challenge devices (PCDs), incorrect BI activation, and deviations from current standards. The session concludes with best-practice takeaways aligned with ANSO/AAMI ST79, indicator methodology, and institutional QA frameworks. Interactive questions will be integrated throughout the session to stimulate critical thinking and confirm real-time understanding.

In this highly interactive session, participants will analyze real-world sterilization scenarios—including biological and chemical indicators (BIs and CIs), load photos, and sterilizer data—to identify common quality assurance (QA) errors in the sterilization process. Through scenario-based challenges, group discussions and guided debriefs, attendees will refine their ability to detect improper load configuration, misuse of process challenge devices (PCDs), incorrect BI activation, and deviations from current standards. The session concludes with best-practice takeaways aligned with ANSO/AAMI ST79, indicator methodology, and institutional QA frameworks. Interactive questions will be integrated throughout the session to stimulate critical thinking and confirm real-time understanding.

In this highly interactive session, participants will analyze real-world sterilization scenarios—including biological and chemical indicators (BIs and CIs), load photos, and sterilizer data—to identify common quality assurance (QA) errors in the sterilization process. Through scenario-based challenges, group discussions and guided debriefs, attendees will refine their ability to detect improper load configuration, misuse of process challenge devices (PCDs), incorrect BI activation, and deviations from current standards. The session concludes with best-practice takeaways aligned with ANSO/AAMI ST79, indicator methodology, and institutional QA frameworks. Interactive questions will be integrated throughout the session to stimulate critical thinking and confirm real-time understanding.

Water management programs and water quality systems are not new to the healthcare industry; why has the release of ANSI/AAMI ST108, Water for the processing of medical devices, caused such a stir and left many organizations unsure how to respond? This session presents a common-sense approach to understanding the standard and leading your organization through an eight-step compliance process. First, the standard and appendices will be summarized in an orderly, common-sense manner to facilitate understanding and presentation for healthcare leaders. Second, the standard’s voluntary nature will be explained, along with the scenarios that make it required. Third, the formation of a water management multidisciplinary team is described. Fourth, the speaker will explain how to conduct a current-state analysis that includes a water-delivery map, risk analysis, and performance-qualification water testing. Fifth, attendees will learn how to gain final approval for organizational acceptance of the standard and the decision to move toward compliance. Sixth, the speaker will review how to validate the water treatment system. Seventh, a review of how to validate SPD processes will be provided. Eighth, the speaker will explain how to implement routine water sampling and testing.

Discover how to assess the health of your Sterile Processing department (SPD) using actionable quality metrics. This session explores the power of performance indicators and control data—such as product failures, sterilizer loads, and biological results—to calculate sigma ratings and guide improvement strategies. Attendees will gain practical tools to interpret data, develop corrective actions, and enhance both qualitative and quantitative outcomes.

Everyone talks about sustainability, but that is often all that is done. A deeper understanding of sustainability can contribute to reduced waste, greater economic savings, and reduced reliance on single-use plastic products. This session will help attendees identify the actions they can take to improve their department’s sustainability profile.

Many outpatient and medical office settings are not equipped to perform high-level disinfection or sterilization safely. From the absence of environmental controls to equipment that appears more at home in a kitchen than a clinic, these gaps pose serious risks. This session presents a strategic, system-wide approach to evaluating, documenting, and eliminating unsafe reprocessing practices in ambulatory settings. Attendees will learn about alternatives to in-office reprocessing, strategies to enhance stakeholder engagement, and key metrics used to guide decision-making. Through real-world examples, this session presents failures, successes and sustainable measures to eliminate noncompliant reprocessing in medical office settings.

Surgical trays are often overloaded, outdated and resistant to change. Rethinking tray design is one of the most impactful ways to reduce unnecessary reprocessing, streamline workflows, and improve patient care. In this interactive workshop, participants will review real-world tray configurations, debate what is essential, and examine the operational impact of each component. Attendees will leave with practical tools to initiate tray redesign discussions at their facilities and a better understanding of how to align tray contents with today’s surgical realities.

Surgical trays are often overloaded, outdated and resistant to change. Rethinking tray design is one of the most impactful ways to reduce unnecessary reprocessing, streamline workflows, and improve patient care. In this interactive workshop, participants will review real-world tray configurations, debate what is essential, and examine the operational impact of each component. Attendees will leave with practical tools to initiate tray redesign discussions at their facilities and a better understanding of how to align tray contents with today’s surgical realities.

Surgical trays are often overloaded, outdated and resistant to change. Rethinking tray design is one of the most impactful ways to reduce unnecessary reprocessing, streamline workflows, and improve patient care. In this interactive workshop, participants will review real-world tray configurations, debate what is essential, and examine the operational impact of each component. Attendees will leave with practical tools to initiate tray redesign discussions at their facilities and a better understanding of how to align tray contents with today’s surgical realities.

Surgical trays are often overloaded, outdated and resistant to change. Rethinking tray design is one of the most impactful ways to reduce unnecessary reprocessing, streamline workflows, and improve patient care. In this interactive workshop, participants will review real-world tray configurations, debate what is essential, and examine the operational impact of each component. Attendees will leave with practical tools to initiate tray redesign discussions at their facilities and a better understanding of how to align tray contents with today’s surgical realities.

Surgical trays are often overloaded, outdated and resistant to change. Rethinking tray design is one of the most impactful ways to reduce unnecessary reprocessing, streamline workflows, and improve patient care. In this interactive workshop, participants will review real-world tray configurations, debate what is essential, and examine the operational impact of each component. Attendees will leave with practical tools to initiate tray redesign discussions at their facilities and a better understanding of how to align tray contents with today’s surgical realities.

Surgical trays are often overloaded, outdated and resistant to change. Rethinking tray design is one of the most impactful ways to reduce unnecessary reprocessing, streamline workflows, and improve patient care. In this interactive workshop, participants will review real-world tray configurations, debate what is essential, and examine the operational impact of each component. Attendees will leave with practical tools to initiate tray redesign discussions at their facilities and a better understanding of how to align tray contents with today’s surgical realities.

This presentation examines the critical impact of blood-drying time on the effectiveness of cleaning surgical instruments. Using test specimens contaminated with reactivated sheep blood, the study evaluated cleaning outcomes across drying intervals using visual and spectroscopic methods. The findings indicate a distinct window during which blood residues are most difficult to remove, specifically within the first one to two hours. Conversely, optimal cleaning results were observed immediately after contamination or after more than three hours of drying. These insights challenge common assumptions and provide evidence-based guidance for reprocessing protocols, with implications for both patient safety and instrument preservation.

This session provides practical lessons for integrating AI-enabled technology into existing SP workflows. Attendees will learn to interpret data related to container contents to find needed inventory and make informed decisions, improving speed, accuracy and productivity. Additionally, they will learn how to reduce human error, resulting in improved workflow and efficiency; understand how improved container/set monitoring leads to improved patient safety, staff and surgeon satisfaction, and reduced instrument set downtime; and learn learn how AI systems can predict wear and failure points, enabling preventive actions that minimize downtime and extend equipment and instrument longevity.

This session provides practical lessons for integrating AI-enabled technology into existing SP workflows. Attendees will learn to interpret data related to container contents to find needed inventory and make informed decisions, improving speed, accuracy and productivity. Additionally, they will learn how to reduce human error, resulting in improved workflow and efficiency; understand how improved container/set monitoring leads to improved patient safety, staff and surgeon satisfaction, and reduced instrument set downtime; and learn learn how AI systems can predict wear and failure points, enabling preventive actions that minimize downtime and extend equipment and instrument longevity.

This session provides practical lessons for integrating AI-enabled technology into existing SP workflows. Attendees will learn to interpret data related to container contents to find needed inventory and make informed decisions, improving speed, accuracy and productivity. Additionally, they will learn how to reduce human error, resulting in improved workflow and efficiency; understand how improved container/set monitoring leads to improved patient safety, staff and surgeon satisfaction, and reduced instrument set downtime; and learn learn how AI systems can predict wear and failure points, enabling preventive actions that minimize downtime and extend equipment and instrument longevity.

This session provides practical lessons for integrating AI-enabled technology into existing SP workflows. Attendees will learn to interpret data related to container contents to find needed inventory and make informed decisions, improving speed, accuracy and productivity. Additionally, they will learn how to reduce human error, resulting in improved workflow and efficiency; understand how improved container/set monitoring leads to improved patient safety, staff and surgeon satisfaction, and reduced instrument set downtime; and learn learn how AI systems can predict wear and failure points, enabling preventive actions that minimize downtime and extend equipment and instrument longevity.

This session provides practical lessons for integrating AI-enabled technology into existing SP workflows. Attendees will learn to interpret data related to container contents to find needed inventory and make informed decisions, improving speed, accuracy and productivity. Additionally, they will learn how to reduce human error, resulting in improved workflow and efficiency; understand how improved container/set monitoring leads to improved patient safety, staff and surgeon satisfaction, and reduced instrument set downtime; and learn learn how AI systems can predict wear and failure points, enabling preventive actions that minimize downtime and extend equipment and instrument longevity.

This session provides practical lessons for integrating AI-enabled technology into existing SP workflows. Attendees will learn to interpret data related to container contents to find needed inventory and make informed decisions, improving speed, accuracy and productivity. Additionally, they will learn how to reduce human error, resulting in improved workflow and efficiency; understand how improved container/set monitoring leads to improved patient safety, staff and surgeon satisfaction, and reduced instrument set downtime; and learn learn how AI systems can predict wear and failure points, enabling preventive actions that minimize downtime and extend equipment and instrument longevity.

Join HSPA staff and members of the Certification Council for a live Q&A to learn about HSPA applications, certification and available resources. This is your opportunity to ask questions, receive answers, and begin or continue your certification journey. This session will address the benefits of HSPA certification; the process of preparing for, attaining, and maintaining HSPA certification; tips and strategies for improving the certification experience; available continuing education resources; and career pathways for Sterile Processing professionals.

Many who are interested in writing for HSPA publications are unsure how to get started or how to determine an appropriate topic and content. This session will help participants select a timely topic (or multiple topics) and identify an article angle best suited to their knowledge and expertise. Participants will receive handouts and lessons to assist with brainstorming and the writing and editing processes. The workshop will conclude with a brief Q&A session.

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, success isn’t only about skill or experience. It’s about mindset, trust and resilience. Professionals across every field face moments of self-doubt, shifting expectations and the challenge of performing under pressure. In this inspiring keynote, Colonel Nicole Malachowski—combat veteran, first woman pilot to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds and a true trailblazer—shares how to push beyond perceived limits to achieve excellence when it matters most. 

Through powerful storytelling and actionable insights, Col. Malachowski explores what it means to “push your personal performance envelope.” She’ll challenge you to show up as your best self each day, recognize the value of vulnerability, and lean on teamwork and trust as essential forces for success. Her message will leave you motivated to elevate your performance, embrace change and lead with authenticity—both at work and in life. 

Key Takeaways 
  • Strengthen confidence by overcoming the self-doubt that limits growth 
  • Foster trust and collaboration through selfless teamwork 
  • Embrace vulnerability and transparency to build stronger connections 
  • Cultivate accountability and reliability to achieve consistent results 
  • Break down silos to inspire creativity, adaptability and collective success