The 2026 AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) Global Surgical Conference & Expo presented an expansive platform for infection prevention experts across the United States to come together and underline an emerging priority. This priority was the induction of specialized Infection Preventionists (IPs) into the perioperative field, a strategy elucidated to bring tangible return on…
The grave ramifications of a nurse's actions at Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, where it is alleged that non-sterile tap water was substituted for fentanyl in patients' IVs, leading to fatal infections, have been revealed in a federal investigation spanning 303 pages, as disclosed by The Lund Report. The events have been traced over…
Infection prevention plays a vital role in healthcare settings, specifically in relation to the management of patient wastes such as stools. It has been identified that improper hygienic disposal of stools in healthcare environments can lead to significant risks to the health of both healthcare personnel and patients, and potentially even impact the broader community.…
Amid rising demands for accurate diagnostic testing, medical swabs have evolved into an integral component of modern healthcare, particularly in the infection control sector. These demands find their roots in a rapidly aging global population and the increase in infectious diseases and chronic conditions worldwide. Advancements in swab manufacturing, the expansion of healthcare infrastructures, and…
The significance of maintaining the health and safety of individuals at the forefront of lifesaving — our first responders — is no small matter. A recent study from the University of South Florida College of Public Health (COPH) has underlined this concern by focusing on health risks these professionals are exposed to, particularly the spread…
In our ongoing fight against infectious diseases like COVID-19, the effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in limiting the spread and protecting healthcare professionals on the front lines. However, notable issues have been identified during the donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) processes of PPE, particularly during large-scale infectious…
Influenza activity is on the rise across a vast majority of the United States, leading to an increased number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations, some of which have not been observed for several decades. These alarming trends have incited pressing calls for vaccination and swift antiviral treatment from public health officials. Recent federal and state…
Medical centers across South Jersey, such as those managed by Virtua Health, are observing an upward trend in patients struggling with respiratory illnesses. This comes amidst rising national flu activity, paving the way for health care providers to anticipate a surge in cases in the near future. Virtua Health's emergency room has noted an influx…
September is recognized as Sepsis Awareness Month - a significant period instituted by the Sepsis Alliance with a central objective to amplify knowledge about infection prevention to combat sepsis, one of the principal causes of mortality in hospitals across the United States. Sepsis is defined as a severe bodily reaction to an infection, typified by…
A notable shift in the federal workforce strategy has seen the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) restore the jobs of 328 previously laid-off employees belonging to the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NBC News reported this reversal on May 14th, marking a significant moment in the broader context of…