standards

Avoid Long Delays in Instrument Decontamination, Reprocessing

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Leaving instruments unprocessed for any period of time can lead to the development of biofilm. The recommendation is to begin the cleaning process as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, a number of manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFUs) are now specifying the time frame that cleaning should be implemented. This ranges from “immediately after use” to “within 10, 20 or 30 minutes;” it varies with the device/instrument manufacturer. The manufacturer’s IFUs should always be followed.

2016 BMXnet event interview on needles, steel and wound care

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Here is a 22 minute interview that I did at BMXnet this year for Russian colleagues.
(In English with Russian subtitles)

  1. The first question was: Can a professional piercers use a catheter?
  2. The second question was about the use of steel for totally healed piercing.
  3. The last question: What way of care is correct for a fresh piercing?

Unrelated, but interesting in light of the recent election and psychohistory:

https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/when-newt-met-hari-seldon

President’s Corner The Point 70

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As President of the Association of Professional Piercers, I have a regular editorial column in The Point magazine.

Point70-coverIssue 70 editorial

Brian Skellie headshot at 2014 APP conference by April BerardiBy Brian Skellie
APP President

Sir Arthur C. Clarke’s Third Law states: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Had I been at Arthur’s elbow as he wrote those words, I’d have suggested adding: “to the uninformed observer.”

— James Randi, WHY MAGICIANS ARE A SCIENTIST’S BEST FRIEND

 

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Bacterial Hand Contamination and Transfer after Use of Contaminated Bulk-Soap-Refillable Dispensers

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American Society for Microbiology Bacterial Hand Contamination and Transfer after Use of Contaminated Bulk-Soap-Refillable Dispensers. Another reason not to refill bulk soap or antiseptic dispensers. Because of this is is particularly important to use single dose skin preparation solutions, as bulk dispensers post known problems.

President’s Corner The Point 69

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As President of the Association of Professional Piercers, I have a regular editorial column in The Point magazine. Issue 69 editorial Some of the most fundamental ideas about piercing are those that are most intriguing and still relevant to question. What materials are available now to make jewelry for initial healing and prolonged wear in the … Read more

“Didn’t Wash Hands” Alarm

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Didn't Wash Hands alarm, Gary Larson — The Far Side

Our friends at the CDC created a helpful website about hand washing, which is worth the time to read through. I particularly appreciate their “Show me the science” section. ;) How to make your own “Didn’t Wash Hands” Alarm | MAKE. Big brother says, “wash your hands” More on Germ theory by How Stuff Works: Related: … Read more

President’s Corner The Point 68

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As President of the Association of Professional Piercers, I have a regular editorial column in The Point magazine. Issue 68 editorial As we approach our twentieth annual meeting, I reflect on the beginnings of the APP. When I discovered that a group—this group—had formed to take action and establish professional industry standards I was immediately interested … Read more

How It’s Made – Hypodermic Needles

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This is very similar to what I saw when I visited Industrial Strength LLC Sharp Ass Needles, without the hubs, followed by cleaning and chemical passivation. They are ready to be sterilized and used. We use 304 SST and keep on file for every lot of needles we make a passivation certificate. We also have an … Read more