Stop infections from spreading : Anhydrous care in the ICU
(Source: Infection Control Today® Volume 27, issue 2 (Isis Lamphier, MPH, CIC) March 9, 2023)
Why?
Proximity to wash basins in patient areas may increase a patient’s risk of contracting gram-negative hospital-acquired infections.
As a result of which?
Study results show:
- Patient rooms with sinks and sink drains have a higher load of bacterial pathogens.1
- Sinks and sink drains can be a reservoir for gram-negative bacteria (GNB) and facilitate the colonization and infection of patients, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU).1
- Implementing an anhydrous environment in the ICU can be an innovative way for hospitals to remove impending microbial exposure to splashes, aerosols and contaminated water.
Practice has shown that cleaning, disinfecting and the use of disinfectants in the drain do not work. Bacteria will always grow back because they are much more resistant and resilient than what can be achieved with control.
What is the solution?
The most sustainable solution is to remove the source, so the sinks and water. But one must continue to practice hand hygiene.
What is the solution for hand hygiene without a sink and water?
With Brittowel® (formerly DeBritts®) we ensure that you can wash where there is no water.
A moist towel that not only cleans effectively, but also cares for the skin and immediately saves many liters of (drinking) water and large amounts of paper.
