Infection Control
Quik-Care Nourishing Foam
June 17, 2013 9:36 am | by Ecolab Healthcare | Product Releases | CommentsEcolab Healthcare announced the availability of Quik-Care Nourishing Foam, a new foam hand sanitizer with skin conditioners and emollients that moisturize and enhance the skin’s natural repair process with repeated use. This unique, clinically-proven formula sanitizes, absorbs fast, and keeps working over time to support healthier skin for healthcare professionals.
Researchers Create Comprehensive Guidelines To Reduce Post-Surgical Staph Infections
June 14, 2013 10:43 am | News | CommentsDespite the threat that staph bacteria pose to patients, there is no uniformly accepted procedure to reduce surgical-site infections in the United States. Now, a team of researchers led by the University of Iowa is recommending guidelines that will cut the infection rate by 71 percent for staph bacteria and 59 percent for a broader class of infectious agents known as gram-positive bacteria.
Grippy Surgical Absorbent Mat
June 13, 2013 9:21 am | by New Pig | New Pig Corp. | Product Releases | Comments(2013 ESP Award Nominee) New Pig’s PIG Grippy Surgical Absorbent Mat is an absorbent mat with an adhesive bottom that stays put, no matter what. The mat absorbs and retains up to three liters of liquid to help keep O.R. floors clean and safe.
Study: People Aren't Washing Their Hands Long Enough
June 12, 2013 1:40 pm | by NBC News | Videos | CommentsA new study recently released by Michigan State University indicated that only five percent of people wash their hands for the recommended amount of time. Furthermore, the average time of handwashing is only six seconds. To make matters worse, half of hand washers don't even use soap. This video offers some more sobering information about this significant problem.
Killer “Superbugs” No Match For College Researcher
June 12, 2013 9:20 am | News | CommentsWhile antibiotics can’t kill deadly “superbug” bacteria, a researcher at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi has developed an amazing new technology that can. Using new “cold plasma” technology, which he developed in the Plasma Engineering Research Lab (PERL) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. Magesh Thiyagarajan is stopping these killer bacteria, before they find a host.
Fungus Found In Pharmacy's Drugs
June 11, 2013 12:39 pm | by Matthew Perrone, AP | News | CommentsFederal health officials say they have found bacteria and fungus in drug vials from a Tennessee specialty pharmacy that recalled all of its injectable medicines last month. The FDA said that it identified the growths in two unopened vials of a steroid injection and is working with the CDC to identify the exact species of fungus and bacteria.
Only Five Percent Washing Hands Correctly
June 10, 2013 11:29 am | News | CommentsA new study by Michigan State University researchers found that only five percent of people who used the bathroom washed their hands long enough to kill the germs that can cause infections. What’s more, 33 percent didn’t use soap and 10 percent didn’t wash their hands at all.
Combating Infections With The Right Materials (A Roundtable Q&A)
June 7, 2013 3:34 pm | Articles | CommentsEastman’s Gopal Saraiya, global segment leader of medical devices at Eastman Chemical Company, took time to address a number of questions related to the use of materials in medical device development. He was included in the staff written article, “Materials Impact Medical Device Design Trends.” Following are all of the responses he provided.
FMS1655 Controllers
June 7, 2013 2:36 pm | by Triatek | Product Releases | CommentsTriatek’s latest FMS1655 controllers provide critical care facilities the ability to completely evacuate airborne contaminates and infections through a feature called the Clean Cycle. Patient room turnover has never been easier or more complete.This automated and programmable cycle engages for a predefined amount of time during which the exhaust valve is fully opened to allow for maximum evacuation of air.
Rapicide OPA/28 High-Level Disinfectant
June 7, 2013 1:55 pm | by Crosstex/SPS Medical | Product Releases | Comments(2013 ESP Award Nominee) Rapicide OPA/28 High-Level Disinfectant from Crosstex/SPS Medical is a fast-acting, long lasting, highly compatible high-level disinfectant ensuring a safe and healthy environment for patients and staff. This reusable ortho-phthalaldehyde disinfectant is designed for use on heat-sensitive, semi-critical medical devices that are unsuitable for sterilization.
Three Out Of Twenty Scopes Used To Examine GI Tracts, Colons Improperly Cleaned
June 7, 2013 10:32 am | News | CommentsThree out of 20 flexible gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopes used for screening were found to harbor unacceptable levels of "bio dirt" – cells and matter from a patient's body that could pose potential infection risk -- according to a study of endoscopes used at five hospitals across the U.S.
Side Load Glove Box Dispensers
June 7, 2013 10:08 am | by Waterloo Healthcare | Waterloo Healthcare | Product Releases | CommentsWaterloo Healthcare is now offering a complete line of side load glove box dispensers to help you fight the spread of HAIs. Manufactured from lightweight yet durable aluminum, these glove box dispensers will stand up to the test of time. They are available in four different configurations and finishes.
HYPE-WIPE Bleach Towelettes
June 4, 2013 9:58 am | by Current Technologies | Current Technologies, Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsHYPE-WIPE bleach towelettes from Current Technologies enable portable and convenient disinfection of high touch areas such as light switches, IV poles, carts, trays, doorknobs, medical equipment, BP cuffs, and counters. HYPE-WIPES are individually packaged and contain the CDC/OSHA recommended 1:10 dilution.
Smart-Fold Sterilization Wrap
June 4, 2013 9:49 am | by Kimberly-Clark Health Care | Kimberly-Clark Health Care | Product Releases | Comments(2013 ESP Award Nominee) Kimberly-Clark’s Smart-Fold Sterilization Wrap is an innovative sterilization packaging designed to provide the durability necessary for the most demanding healthcare applications while reducing waste. Developed in collaboration with central service and operating room professionals, the wrap features triple-layer reinforcement.
GUS Disinfection Soak Stations
June 4, 2013 9:36 am | by PCI Medical | PCI Medical | Product Releases | Comments(2013 ESP Award Nominee) PCI Medical announces two new fully enclosed GUS Disinfection Soak Stations with longer disinfection containers. The new, long design allows for a more thorough disinfection of endocavity probes. The G10VPL is designed to disinfect and rinse one endocavity probe, while the G14KAL disinfects two probes at once. The new longer containers also can fit into existing G10VP and G14KA models.
Winning The MRSA Battle In Hospitals
June 4, 2013 9:10 am | by Anahad O'Connor | Blogs | CommentsTreating every single patient who enters an intensive care unit with special disinfectant soaps and ointments drastically reduces the spread of the drug-resistant bacteria MRSA and cuts the rate of bloodstream infections in hospitals, a new study shows. By adopting a universal strategy of disinfecting the most vulnerable patients, hospitals could make substantially more progress against serious infections.
SurgiClear
June 3, 2013 11:02 am | by Covalon Technologies | Covalon Technologies Ltd. | Product Releases | Comments(2013 ESP Award Nominee) SurgiClear from Covalon Technologies integrates two well-known antimicrobials (chlorhexidine and silver) into the film dressing’s soft silicone adhesive. The dual antimicrobial silicone adhesive kills 99.99 percent of bacteria and suppresses re-growth of microbes on the patient’s skin, maintaining a preferred environment for wound healing.
Study: To Stop MRSA's Spread, Decontaminate All ICU Patients
May 31, 2013 9:36 am | Articles | CommentsHospitals have tried to combat the spread of the infections and drug-resistant "superbugs" by implementing prevention programs, developing germ-resistant hospital equipment, or even turning to robots with ultraviolet sensors for cleaning. A large study suggests an effective approach to stop the spread of potentially deadly hospital infections like MRSA is decontaminating every patient in intensive care.
North Shore-LIJ Extends Use Of Third-Party Remote Video Auditing Into ORs
May 30, 2013 3:35 pm | News | CommentsThe North Shore-LIJ Health System is expanding a first-of-its-kind video monitoring system used to measure hand-washing compliance at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY, by introducing cameras in operating rooms at Forest Hills (NY) Hospital.
With Money At Risk, Hospitals Push Staff To Wash Hands
May 29, 2013 9:34 am | by Anemona Hartocollis | Articles | CommentsStudies have shown that without encouragement, hospital workers wash their hands as little as 30 percent of the time that they interact with patients. So in addition to video snooping, hospitals across the country are training hand-washing coaches, handing out rewards like free pizza and coffee coupons, and admonishing with “red cards.”
Sterile Preoperative Skin Preparation Antiseptics
May 22, 2013 12:48 pm | by Aplicare | Product Releases | CommentsAplicare from Clorox Healthcare provides sterile preoperative skin preparation antiseptics. For product safety and patient care, these sterile skin antiseptics are designed to enhance an infection prevention program. The Aplicare sterile skin antiseptics are sterilized after the product has been placed in the packaging.
Using Video Monitoring To Measure Hand-Washing Compliance
May 21, 2013 10:21 am | News | CommentsThe North Shore-LIJ Health System is expanding a first-of-its-kind video monitoring system used to measure hand-washing compliance at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY, by introducing cameras in operating rooms at Forest Hills (NY) Hospital. The new pilot program strengthens patient safety by providing hospitals with real-time feedback in their operating rooms.
Source Of Infection Affects Hospital Mortality In Septic Shock Patients In The ICU
May 20, 2013 10:29 am | News | CommentsIn ICU patients who have septic shock, the anatomic source of infection has a strong effect on the chances of survival, according to a new study from researchers in Canada. Understanding the local infection source in patients with septic shock may influence treatment strategies and clinical outcomes.
Multi-Purpose Surgical Drape Clamp
May 20, 2013 10:10 am | by Spectrum Surgical Instruments | Spectrum Surgical Instruments Corp. | Product Releases | CommentsSpectrum Surgical Instruments Corporation is pleased to offer a Multi-Purpose Surgical Drape Clamp. The familiar design of the easy-to-grip clip allows for secure clamping of surgical drapes to IV poles and drape-stands. The clip is washable, reusable, rust-resistant, and fully-autoclavable.
Waste Management System
May 15, 2013 11:37 am | by Bemis Health Care | Bemis Health Care | Product Releases | CommentsQuick-Drain Waste Management Systems from Bemis Health Care provide safe and cost-effective disposal of liquid infectious waste. It will drain waste from canisters used in all areas of a facility as well as the OR. Fluid goes into the sanitary sewer at a rate of 500cc per second, saving staff time.
