is heightened , and product choices should reflect that . So , a disposable microfiber product might be best suited for these settings because , by virtue of its “ one wipe , one surface ” or “ one wipe , one site ” intended application , it adds an added level of safety or assurance against the risk of cross-contamination . If proper laundering to CDC / CMS guidelines is not available .
Experts addressed cost , quality and outcomes .
Q : Are there suggestions for product replacements when what you are currently using isn ’ t available ?
The actual physical removal of microorganisms and soil by wiping or scrubbing is probably as important , if not more so , than any antimicrobial effect of the cleaning agent used .” at recent supply chain challenges and panic buying , and presented a plan for future preparedness . Here ’ s a look at the discussion :
Q : How does the science of wiping / application and the substrate affect outcomes and does the setting or the specific user impact selection ?
A : The best way to begin answering it is to look at the CDC ’ s guidance on surface cleaning , because the agency is clear in emphasizing the importance of physical or mechanical action . CDC states , “ The actual physical removal of microorganisms and soil by wiping or scrubbing is probably as important , if not more so , than any antimicrobial effect of the cleaning agent used .” And this makes sense , because the friction generated by effective wiping not only removes large numbers of microorganisms , but also removes the debris and organic matter that can interfere with the disinfection process — which is why the CDC describes cleaning as “ the necessary first step of any sterilization or disinfection process .” A disinfectant can only do its job if it makes direct contact with a microorganism , and debris and matter left on a surface can shield a microbe from that disinfectant and , in the case of some disinfectants , inactivate them . So , if the desired outcome is the physical removal of microorganisms and debris , there are really two levels involved in achieving it . The first is the cleaner , applying appropriate pressure and force when wiping a surface ; we all know there is a difference between a light a swipe and a heavier hand . And the second is the wipe itself — what is its removal capability ? Does it have small fibers that can penetrate the nooks and crannies in a surface ? Does it have a large surface area for absorbing and trapping microbes and debris ? Does it have a natural electrostatic attraction between its fibers and the targeted bacteria and dirt ? For microfiber , the answer to these questions is “ yes ,” which is why it is such an effective cleaning tool — even without a disinfectant . Not all microfiber is the same ; manufacturing matters , as GSM , density , etc . are not all the same quality . And finally , in terms of setting , clinical risk should drive product selection . There are environments such as isolation rooms or ICUs in which the risk of infection
A : The best way to approach this is to start with the desired outcome ; in other words , what is it you are looking to achieve with the product and what are your use parameters ? So , using your hydrogen peroxide example , this would mean asking the questions of what pathogens claims are you looking for ? You know the desired kill time , but what about surface compatibility ? What surface materials will you be applying it to ? What textiles will you be applying it with ; for example , if you ’ d be using cotton products , you ’ d want to avoid a quat alternative because of quat binding . You can then use these metrics to filter alternative products . In the case of cleaning textiles , these metrics would include removal claims — what pathogen removal claims does the product have ? What is its chemical compatibility — can it be used with any disinfectant or cleaning agent ? What is its durability — if it is re-usable , what is its life span when laundered according to CDC specifications ? If it is disposable , how does it hold up in use when pressure is applied ? For instance , with disposables non-wovens fall apart / shred when hitting snags / uneven surfaces . We must think in advance and have contingency plans .
Q : Do suppliers have recommendations for how to stretch the use of existing supplies ?
A : This is where staff training on process is key , because there is a lot of opportunity to avoid unnecessary waste . Take , for example , a microfiber cloth . The application principle is “ one wipe , one surface ,” but that doesn ’ t necessarily mean you need a new wipe for every surface . You can utilize the eight-fold method with healthcare-grade ultramicrofiber reusable wipes , in which you fold the cloth once down the middle and then fold it again to create eight clean sides and use one of those clean sides for each surface . It is important that staff know how to do this and the importance of using a fresh side for each subsequent surface . For disinfectants , be sure your staff knows the proper quantity needed for a particular surface area so you ’ re not wasting any excess . Work with your suppliers , because they can help you problem-solve , whether it involves staff training or evaluating alternative products .