Hand hygiene -- including proper handwashing, glove donning and removal, and awareness of the principles of hand carriage of pathogens -- is a cornerstone of enhancing infection prevention in the healthcare environment.
Here's a look at the latest news and features related to hand hygiene.
Hospital Faucets are Often Home to Slime and Biofilm
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System assessed eight different designs across four intensive care units to determine how dirty sinks and faucets really are. They found that a shallow depth of the sink bowl enabled potentially contaminated water to splash onto patient care items, healthcare worker hands, and into patient care spaces – at times at a distance of more than four feet from the sink itself.
“The inside of faucets where you can’t clean were much dirtier than expected,” said study author Kristen VanderElzen, MPH, CIC. “Potentially hazardous germs in and around sinks present a quandary for infection preventionists, since having accessible sinks for handwashing is so integral to everything we promote. Acting on the information we found, we have undertaken a comprehensive faucet replacement program across our hospital.”
Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection prevention in hospitals, but the unintended consequences include water splashing out of a sink to spread contaminants from dirty faucets according to new research presented in mid-June at the 46th Annual Conference of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
To identify the grime level of the sinks, the researchers used adenosine triphosphate (ATP) monitoring to measure the cleanliness. Visible biofilm was associated with higher ATP readings, and cultures tested over the course of the study grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa, mold, and other environmental organisms.
The research team also found aerators on sinks where they had previously been removed, pointing to an overall inconsistency of equipment protocols across the facility. Included in the design improvement program were sink guards, which were shown to limit splash significantly.
“As we learn more about the often stealthy ways in which germs can spread inside healthcare facilities, infection preventionists play an increasingly important role in healthcare facility design – including in the selection of sink and faucet fixtures – as this study illustrates,” said 2019 APIC president Karen Hoffmann, RN, MS, CIC, FSHEA, FAPIC. “Because the healthcare environment can serve as a source of resistant organisms capable of causing dangerous infections, an organization’s infection prevention and control program must ensure that measures are in place to reduce the risk of transmission from environmental sources and monitor compliance with those measures.”
Source: APIC
**prostafense**
ProstAfense is a premium, doctor-crafted supplement formulated to maintain optimal prostate function, enhance urinary performance, and support overall male wellness.
**prodentim**
ProDentim is a distinctive oral-care formula that pairs targeted probiotics with plant-based ingredients to encourage strong teeth, comfortable gums, and reliably fresh breath.
**mitolyn**
Mitolyn is a carefully developed, plant-based formula created to help support metabolic efficiency and encourage healthy, lasting weight management.
**insuleaf**
InsuLeaf is a high-quality, naturally formulated supplement created to help maintain balanced blood glucose, support metabolic health, and boost overall vitality.
**native gut**
NativeGut is a precision-crafted nutritional blend designed to nurture your dog’s digestive tract.
**nervecalm**
NerveCalm is a high-quality nutritional supplement crafted to promote nerve wellness, ease chronic discomfort, and boost everyday vitality.
**mounjaboost**
MounjaBoost is a next-generation, plant-based supplement created to support metabolic activity, encourage natural fat utilization
**citrusburn**
CitrusBurn is a Mediterranean-inspired thermogenic formula created to support a naturally slower metabolism, encourage efficient fat utilization.
**citrus burn**
CitrusBurn is a Mediterranean-inspired thermogenic formula created to support a naturally slower metabolism, encourage efficient fat utilization.
**prodentim**
ProDentim is a distinctive oral-care formula that pairs targeted probiotics with plant-based ingredients to encourage strong teeth, comfortable gums, and reliably fresh breath.
**prime biome**
The bodys natural process of skin cell renewal is essential for preserving a smooth, healthy, and youthful-looking complexion.
**nitric boost ultra**
Nitric Boost Ultra is a daily wellness formula designed to enhance vitality and help support all-around performance.
**prostavive**
Maintaining prostate health is crucial for men’s overall wellness, especially as they grow older. Conditions like reduced urine flow, interrupted sleep
mitolyn
Mitolyn is a carefully developed, plant-based formula created to help support metabolic efficiency and encourage healthy, lasting weight management.
insuleaf
InsuLeaf is a high-quality, naturally formulated supplement created to help maintain balanced blood glucose, support metabolic health, and boost overall vitality.