Comprehensive Coverage
While antimicrobial textiles have demonstrated efficacy against bacterial pathogens , their effectiveness against viruses and fungi may vary . It is important to consider the limitations in pathogen coverage when implementing antimicrobial textiles and to adopt a comprehensive approach to infection prevention that includes other preventive measures , such as vaccination and proper hand hygiene .
In conclusion , antimicrobial healthcare textiles and post-wash treatments offer promising solutions in the battle against HAIs . The efficacy of antimicrobial textiles in reducing pathogen transmission , combined with the potential of post-wash treatments to enhance their effectiveness , provides a multifaceted approach to infection prevention . Ongoing advancements in technology and the integration of comprehensive strategies hold tremendous potential for reducing the burden of HAIs and improving patient safety .
By implementing evidence-based guidelines and considering factors such as proper utilization , cost-effectiveness , and sustainability , healthcare facilities can harness the power of antimicrobial textiles and post-wash treatments to mitigate the risk of HAIs , protect patients , and improve overall healthcare outcomes .
Gregory Gicewicz is distinguished in the laundry industry as a tireless advocate for increasing . awareness of the significant role that having high standards in the processing of healthcare laundry plays in broader infection prevention strategy . Gicewicz is the president / CEO of Compliance Shark , a business compliance platform . Gicewicz is past-president of the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council ( HLAC ), whose mission is to accredit laundries processing healthcare textiles based on the highest standards for patient safety and infection prevention .
References :
1 . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . ( 2020 ). Healthcare-associated infections ( HAIs ). Retrieved from https :// www . cdc . gov / hai / index . html
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4 . Rutala WA , et al . ( 2019 ). Antimicrobial agents for reducing the transmission of pathogens on healthcare environmental surfaces . Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , 40 ( 2 ), 123-142 .
5 . Mulder M , et al . ( 2018 ). Evaluation of a laundry additive for reducing the microbial load in contaminated textiles in Dutch nursing homes . Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , 39 ( 1 ), 83-88 .
6 . Otter JA , et al . ( 2016 ). Transmission of SARS and MERS coronaviruses and influenza virus in healthcare settings : The possible role of dry surface contamination . Journal of Hospital Infection , 92 ( 3 ), 235-250 .
7 . Behzadinasab S , et al . ( 2020 ). Antimicrobial textiles : Recent advancements in functionalization techniques and their applications . Materials Science and Engineering : C , 107 , 110267 .
8 . Rupp ME , et al . ( 2019 ). Implementation of a bundled antimicrobial intervention decreases surgical site infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus : A multicenter study with 13 hospitals . Clinical Infectious Diseases , 68 ( 4 ), 597-605 .
9 . Kramer A , et al . ( 2017 ). Avoiding microbial resistance in hospital wastewater management . GMS Hygiene and Infection Control , 12 , Doc11 .
10 . Tacconelli E , Carrara E , et al . ( 2018 ). Discovery , research , and development of new antibiotics : The WHO priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and tuberculosis . The Lancet Infectious Diseases , 18 ( 3 ), 318-327 .
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