From beckersasc.com

At the 18th Annual Ambulatory Surgery Centers Conference in Chicago on Oct. 29, Jack Wagner, president and director of scientific, technical and regulatory affairs at Micro-Scientific Industries, discussed nosocomial infections and best practices for surgery center cleaning and disinfection.

Mr. Wagner pointed out that almost all environmentally transmitted infections occur because a staff member fails to follow protocol.

In the case of OR surfaces, an intermediate-level disinfectant that kills mycobacteria TB is the industry standard. Mr. Wagner said TB is considered the industry benchmark because it is very hard to kill. “Chances are that if you kill TB, you have a product that can kill other bacteria and viruses,” he said.

In addition, Mr. Wagner advised that while pre-moistened wipes are suitable for non-clinical surfaces, they are not suitable for terminal cleaning and reprocessing of patient care devices. In that same vein, liquid cleaners and disinfectants may be used for both cleaning and disinfecting purposes and are better suited for corners, cracks and other hard-to-reach spaces. Other considerations include the following:

•    Ready-to-use (opposed to concentrated cleaners/disinfectants) are easier to use and easier to defend during regulatory questions.
•    Disinfectants containing alcohol and high alcohol (> 24 percent) always require pre-cleaning using detergent and water, followed by rinsing and drying. These types of disinfectants also cannot be used on clear plastics.
•    Floors should be mopped between cases using a fresh, clean mop with detergent and water.

Research led by Dr. Sheldon Stone of the Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust, observed more than 7,000 patient contacts in 56 intensive care and acute care of the elderly wards in 15 United Kingdom hospitals, makes this one of the largest and most detailed studies on gloves and their impact on hand hygiene. Overall, the study found that hand hygiene compliance was “disappointingly low,” at just 47.7 percent. Compliance was even lower in instances where gloves were worn, dipping to just over 41 percent.

Stone and his colleagues suggest further study on the behavioral reasons behind why healthcare workers are less likely to wash their hands when wearing gloves. Regardless, the researchers recommend that campaigns such as the World Health Organization’s Clean Care is Safer Care program should emphasize better hand hygiene associated with gloving practices.

We noticed this great article and wanted to share it with you. Several of the points directly relate to laundry and medical linen, such as isolating c. diff patients and their linen. Proper airflow is critical here. Other things discussed include handwashing and the need for monitoring and auditing, surveillance practices and swabbing patients for MRSA, working and collaborating with community hospitals, and reducing the use of unnecessary antibiotics. Great article and lots of food for thought. Enjoy.

Joplin Workshops is a business that deserves much recognition as they provide employment opportunities for people with mental and physical abilities. If you need linen service in the Joplin, MO area, we hope you consider using Healthcare Linen Services.

Our hearts go out to them and the families of those lost in the storm.

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