Wishing You, Your Colleagues, and Families Good Times and Good Cheer this Holiday Season

No matter what holiday you celebrate, all of us here at ClorDiSys Solutions wish you a very happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year! As we take time to reflect on this year and those who have helped shape our business, we believe 2019 was an absolute success full of growth and challenging projects. We thank you for your continued support. May your days be merry and bright!

PLEASE NOTE OUR HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
Monday, December 23 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday, December 24 CLOSED
Wednesday, December 25 CLOSED
Thursday, December 26 CLOSED
Friday, December 27 8:00am – 5:00pm

Why, When, and How to Choose High-Level Disinfection in Healthcare

The Spaulding Classification categorizes medical devices based on their risk of infection to help determine what level of disinfection or sterilization is required to render them safe for reuse. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy’s (ASGE) Multisociety guideline on reprocessing flexible GI endoscopes: 2016 update describes the three classes as critical, semi-critical, and non-critical. While healthcare has followed the Spaulding classification system to determine the required level of processing for medical devices for decades, infection outbreaks related to contaminated devices, most notably endoscopes, have prompted hospitals, manufacturers, regulators and industry associations to reevaluate the processing of reusable medical equipment.

ClorDiSys Solutions’ Brand Manager, Emily Lorcheim, was asked by Healthcare Purchasing News when, why and how to choose high-level disinfection or sterilization. Her response was “Issues on determining whether high-level disinfection or sterilization is appropriate are many times based off the intended application. Disinfection is defined as a 99.99% to 99.999% level of kill, whereas sterilization is the elimination of all organisms and results in a 99.9999%, or 6-log sporicidal reduction. Sterilization is required in healthcare for applications such as implantable medical devices, or if there is a major occurrence of a significant disease.” Emily added “High-level disinfection is key on items that should be rid of organisms often, due to frequent human contact and therefore potential contamination. These items can include cell phones, tablets, office supplies, remotes, etc. Another opportunity where measures of high-level disinfection can be utilized is on external medical equipment that either cannot be easily cleaned due to size restraints or being fixed in position, or cannot be treated with certain sterilizing chemicals or conditions. Methods may cause material damages, especially liquid methods, which may be corrosive or leave residues.”

Most healthcare facilities use an array of processes to clean, disinfect and sterilize surgical equipment and instrumentation. Emily points out “many times sterilization methods require long exposure times, harsh chemicals, sealing spaces off or separate chambers… many of these methods are not conducive to the fast-paced environment of the healthcare setting. High-level disinfection can be applied in a variety of methods, quickly, easily and effectively to maintain a safe healthcare environment.” Regardless of the modality, high-level disinfection or sterilization, a device won’t be safe for use unless it has been properly cleaned according to the manufacturer’s IFU. Attention must be dedicated to the training, certification and competencies for individuals performing these cleaning activities, because as Damien Berg, Regional Manager of Sterile Processing at UCHealth, stated “We don’t ever want to say no to a product that could save a life, but we also don’t want to hurt a life by agreeing to a product that is too challenging to clean or for which we don’t have the necessary technology to process.”

Click here to read Kara Nadeau’s “Disinfection by Degrees” article in its entirety.

Top Reasons to Attend the 2020 Food Safety and Microbiology Conference

In response to the everyday challenges food safety professionals face, ClorDiSys Solutions and Kornacki Microbiology Solutions, Inc organized the Annual Food Safety and Microbiology Conference. With 2020 being our fourth year, we invite those working in industry, government, or research focused on food microbiology, quality assurance and control, sanitation, plant management, technical services, or operations to this 2.5 day event covering a variety of topics from new legislation to new technologies. If this sounds like you, here are a few reasons why you cannot miss this conference.

LEARN FROM FOOD SAFETY EXPERTS & INDUSTRY LEADERS
You'll be able to meet, listen to, and learn from world class speakers with a variety of backgrounds. These industry, academic, and governmental food safety professionals will be available outside of their presentation times for introductions and additional questions.

WORLD CLASS CONTENT
This conference aims to deliver high-level problem solving sessions in order to elevate your food safety program and address emerging food safety issues.  The agenda will feature a mix of regulatory information, microbiological tips and tricks, and innovative solutions in order to provide a well-rounded balance for all attendees.  Upon leaving, you'll have clear takeaways which will help improve your company operate cleaner, safer, and more efficient than ever before.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
This year’s conference is being held at the Hilton Palacio del Rio, located along the River Walk, San Antonio’s most popular attraction. Walking distance from restaurants, bars, shops, and the Alamo, this landmark hotel features rich South Texas stylings and original art. Be sure to check out their five onsite restaurants and bars – Coffee Cupboard, Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub, River’s Edge Café, Tex’s Sports Bar (the only sports bar on the River Walk) and Rincon Alegre Lobby Bar. Oh, did we mention it is only eight miles from the San Antonio Airport?

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR INDUSTRY PEERS
This Annual Conference is a lot of learning packed into a short amount of time, but you’ll also have opportunities to relax and get to know your industry peers. Join us for traditional Mexican food, drinks, and a live performance by Mariachi Alma de Jalisco at our Preconference Mixer Sunday evening, the Monday happy hour reception sponsored by Food Safety Net Services, and the one-hour narrated Go Rio River Cruise Wednesday afternoon, an unforgettable way to experience the world-famous San Antonio River Walk. Admission to all activities is included in the registration fee.

To learn more about the program and registration, click here. We hope to see you in Texas!