Role of High-Quality Surface Disinfectant Wipes in Hospitals: Fight against Pathogens in OTs, ICUs & Other Critical Areas
In healthcare settings, particularly in high-risk areas such as Operating Theatres (OTs) and Intensive Care Units (ICUs), maintaining rigorous hygiene standards is essential for patient safety.
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a significant concern worldwide, with studies showing that approximately 1 in 25 patients contract an HAI during their hospital stay, according to the CDC. [1]
These infections can lead to severe complications, prolonged hospital stays and even death.
In the ongoing battle against infection, disinfectant wipes have emerged as a critical tool for ensuring hygiene in these high-risk environments. Their convenience, effectiveness, and ease of use make them indispensable for infection control protocols in hospitals. This article explores the vital role of high-quality disinfectant wipes in maintaining hygiene across OTs, ICUs, and beyond and highlights the key benefits they offer in safeguarding patient health.
The importance of hygiene in critical healthcare areas
Healthcare environments like OTs and ICUs are highly susceptible to infections, and maintaining a clean environment is critical. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect approximately 1 in 10 patients worldwide each year, leading to around 7,000 deaths annually. [2]
Besides the mortality rate, HAIs cost a lot to healthcare settings. The overall direct cost of HAIs to hospitals ranges from $28 billion to $45 billion. [3]
The risk of infection in these critical areas is very high due to the presence of vulnerable patients undergoing surgery or in critical care, where their immune systems are compromised. This makes infection control practices, including the use of disinfectants like wipes, essential.
Maintaining clean and disinfected environments through rigorous hygiene protocols is an essential part of delivering high-quality healthcare.
The role of disinfection in OT, ICU and critical areas
The OT and ICU are environments where every surface, instrument, and even the air itself must be free from pathogens. Even a small lapse in hygiene can lead to severe consequences, such as post-surgical infections or sepsis, which are among the leading causes of mortality in hospitals.
In a recent incidence, three women from Karnataka died due to post-surgical infections. They underwent surgery but succumbed to complications arising afterward. This incident highlights the critical need for stringent infection control measures in healthcare settings.[4]
Disinfectant wipes play a critical role in minimising these risks by providing a quick and effective means to sanitise surfaces, medical equipment, and patient touchpoints. [5]
The direct impact of hygiene on patient outcomes is profound:
- Studies have shown that robust infection control measures, including proper disinfection, can reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) by up to 60%. [6]
- In the ICU, adherence to strict hygiene protocols can significantly lower the rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), a major cause of ICU-related infections.
Bioguard hand and surface wiping system not only adhere to but exceed regulatory standards, offering healthcare professionals a reliable, effective, and easy-to-implement solution for maintaining hygiene and ensuring patient safety. By integrating these wipes into daily protocols, hospitals can confidently meet compliance standards and protect their most vulnerable patients.
Why disinfectant wipes are effective?
- Convenience and speed Disinfectant wipes simplify the cleaning process. The ready-to-use design saves precious time, especially in high-pressure, high-traffic environments. Unlike sprays, which may require additional materials like gauze or cotton, wipes are self-sufficient.
- Effectiveness Against Pathogens High-quality disinfectant wipes are proven to combat a broad spectrum of pathogens, including ESKAPE pathogens that are resistant to multiple antibiotics and cause most HAIs. The disinfectant wipes are pre-dosed and offer a significant advantage in ensuring precise application, as each wipe is saturated with the exact dilution required to achieve maximum efficacy. Hence, the risk of HAIs due to dilution is eliminated with these wipes.
According to a recent study, the use of hospital-grade wipes can reduce sporicidal and microbial contamination by up to 99.99% with effective log-8 reduction in pathogens. - Ease of use in high-traffic areas Their portability makes disinfectant wipes an ideal choice for frequently touched surfaces like bedrails, monitors, and doorknobs. In spaces where time is of the essence, their rapid application ensures thorough cleaning without disrupting workflows.
Wipes vs Disinfectant Spray
Both disinfectant wipes and sprays are essential tools in maintaining hygiene, but they serve slightly different purposes. Let's analyse how they differ and align.
Benefits of using wipes over spray
- Speed: Wipes offer a quicker cleaning and disinfection solution compared to sprays, which require more time to apply and allow to dry.
- Ease of use: Wipes are pre-moistened, offering a ready-to-use option, while sprays may require additional cotton or gauze sponge for application. Incorrect dilution or lack of dilution in sprays can lead to the inactivation of the disinfectant, especially when absorbed by gauze.
- No mess: Wipes eliminate the risk of spills or splashes associated with sprays, ensuring a cleaner, more controlled application.
- Convenience: Wipes require no additional drying time, as they provide an instant disinfection effect.
- Critical areas: In high-risk areas such as the OT or ICU, wipes are preferred over sprays due to their quick and effective use in a sterile environment.
- Adequate dosage: Disinfectant wipes are pre-dosed, eliminating the need for adjustment or manipulation of dosage, thereby meeting international standards.
Bioguard: Revolutionizing Hygiene Standards
Bioguard’s hand and surface wiping systems are designed to streamline infection control. Unlike many competitors, our wipes are dual-purpose, suitable for hands, surfaces and equipment. This versatility reduces the need for multiple products, simplifying inventory management and cutting costs.
Advantages of wipes
- Cost Efficiency: Lower inventory requirements reduce operational expenses.
- Quality Assurance: Certified for healthcare use, ensuring safety and efficacy.
The Bioguard advantage
- Multifunctional use These wipes can be used to disinfect hands, surfaces and equipment simplifying inventory and reducing costs. This dual functionality ensures consistency in hygiene protocols and eliminates confusion over product selection.
- Superior design and efficiency Our wipes are designed to be lint-free ensuring surfaces remain spotless and free of debris. Their strong disinfectant properties and compatibility with various materials make them an indispensable tool in maintaining hospital hygiene.
These are the only wipes in India that meet EN16615, i.e., the Four Field Test, and are sporicidal, mycobactericidal and effective against ESKAPE and regular hospital flora.
Consequences of using substandard wipes
- Risks to hygiene and infection control Using inferior wipes can lead to the survival and spread of harmful bacteria, undermining infection control efforts. These substandard products often fail to meet healthcare standards like efficacy against spores and mycobacteria compromising patient safety.
- Damage to hospital equipment and aesthetic appeal Low-quality wipes may contain harsh chemicals that degrade equipment and surfaces over time. For example, the use of poor-grade wipes has led to the discoloration of OT walls, turning pristine white surfaces into an unsightly yellow.
- Increased costs Substandard wipes result in higher operational costs due to frequent equipment maintenance, additional cleaning needs, and prolonged hospital stays caused by infection-related complications.
Choosing the right disinfectant wipes for OT, ICU, and critical areas
Key factors to consider
Healthcare professionals should evaluate wipes based on:
- Composition and efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens including ESKAPE
- Safety for use on sensitive equipment and surfaces
- Certifications and compliance with healthcare standards
- Can the wipes be used with a dual-action of cleaning and disinfection
Trusting Bioguard for superior hygiene solutions
Bioguard disinfectant wipes are developed with stringent quality controls to meet the demands of critical healthcare environments. Their efficacy, durability, size and ease of use make them the ideal choice for maintaining hygiene and infection control in hospitals.
Last but not least
Maintaining optimal hygiene in critical healthcare areas is non-negotiable, with disinfectant wipes playing a pivotal role in infection control. Bioguard offers a reliable and innovative solution to healthcare facilities, ensuring patient safety, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
With Bioguard’s hand and surface wiping system, you can achieve exceptional hygiene standards with convenience and confidence. Learn more about our Hand & Surface Wiping System.
