Environmental Services

The traditional towel-and-bucket method of environmental cleaning is being replaced in many hospitals by ready-to-use disinfectant wipes. These pre-soaked disposable wipes are increasingly used for the disinfection of near-patient surfaces to prevent the spread of microorganisms and the emergence of nosocomial infections. This report explores the benefits of ready-to-use wipes as well as reviews the key factors that impact wipes' efficacy.

Cleaning and disinfecting are important parts of a comprehensive infection prevention strategy.  While the need for cleaning and disinfecting is increasing, there is also growing evidence that these activities can result in serious health problems, particularly respiratory illness. Occupational health programs in state health departments are receiving reports from the healthcare sector like the following case from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) take a toll on patients, their families, hospital staff and the bottom line, and impact the reputation of and funding for healthcare facilities. In fact, on any given day, 1 in 25 hospitalized patients, or roughly 600,000 each year, must deal with an HAI, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

This report presents a review of the basics relating to disinfectants and how to ensure their proper and optimal use in healthcare institutions as part of a structured program to address healthcare-associated infections.