In addition to marking the correct surgery site, we always place patients' ID and allergy wristbands on the side thier surgeries will be performed. It's a simple safety check that...

At the heart of electrosurgery safety is a firm understanding of how the technology works and the core principles driving its use. A base knowledge of the physics behind...

C-arm technology has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years with compact mobile units producing images that rival the quality of those produced by higher-end,...

From late physicians to cases going longer than expected, you can't control the many factors that lead to lengthy, frustrating surgical delays. But you can control how well...

We use a free game app (kahoot.com) to turn ho-hum staff meetings into fun, interactive learning sessions. It's easy to input a series of multiple choice or true-false...

CMS Issues Coronavirus Infection Control Guidance; Recommendations include how outpatient facilities can help stop the spread of COVID-19.

FDA Backs Converting Anesthesia Machines to Ventilators; The move addresses critical shortages of machines needed for COVID-19 patients.

What's an Elective Surgery? New guidance from the American College of Surgeons directs how to triage patients as COVID-19 cases increase.

Humidity levels in your ORs should be between 30% and 60%, a range that can be difficult to maintain. That's why I had our HVAC company install a computer program...

The sterile processing department is not an easy place to work. If you want to make sure new sterile processing techs mesh well with the current team and...

Behind Closed Doors: Full Moon Fever; I'm convinced Nurse Luna is to blame for odd OR occurrences.

Hillrom says its Welch Allyn Spot Vital Signs 4400 device combines a wide breadth of functionality with time-saving efficiency. The device captures temperature,...

Editor's Page;Wait... What's a Mayo Stand?

The one- and two-gram IV piggyback infusion bags of the antibiotic cefazolin we were using exclusively in 2018 were almost always on backorder and delivery...

Our facility knew the benefits of administering IV acetaminophen preoperatively to reduce post-op pain, but it was always in short supply or cost prohibitive....

Counts Aren't Always Correct; Barcode scanning and RFID detection help to make sure no sponge is left behind.

Help Patients Pay for Surgery; Understanding how healthcare credit cards work will help you select the one that's best for your facility — and those who come to you for care.

There's always the possibility that a patient with an active infection will arrive at your facility for surgery. To prevent SSIs and stop the spread of multi-drug resistant...

A Better Way to Treat BPH; Men with enlarged prostates are seeking out surgeons who offer a minimally invasive solution to their symptoms.

Why continue to carefully cover instrument trays with blue wrap — making even folds, straightening the edges and neatly taping the package shut — when you can...