What We Value Most
I
n the months ahead, you’ll be seeing and hearing much more about Getinge’s
interlocking sphere — symbolizing our company’s integrated solutions for infection
control and contamination prevention.
It’s just one element of Getinge Infection Control’s brand values that makes a powerful
promise to each of our customers who share a common challenge to do more with less in
difficult economic times.
Our brand values — insight, integrated solutions, customer satisfaction — are important
to us, because they are important to you. What’s more, they are critically important to the
people we jointly serve — hospitalized patients who have every right and expectation to
believe they are receiving the finest care possible. And like you, Getinge is dedicated to
making sure those expectations will always be met. a73
John Hansson
V.P., Marketing & Business Development,
North America
Improving the Outcomes
lumens and other tubular instruments, this means having a variety of
brush sizes that match the variety of instruments being processed.
of Manual Cleaning
As the bristles on the brushes wear, they may no longer come in
contact with all of the instrument surfaces. For this reason, brushes
continued from page 3
should be replaced at regular predetermined intervals.
Detergent concentration recommendations will vary with each
The ability of brushes or cleaning implements to collect and
detergent manufacturer. It is important that a manufacturer’s
transfer microorganisms is another area of concern. There should be
guidelines be followed to ensure effective cleaning. Too little
a process in place to clean and disinfect cleaning tools on a regular
detergent will make it more difficult to clean the instruments and
basis, to prevent the growth and transference of bacteria.
could lead to damage from aggressive manual cleaning. By the same
In addition to process variability, manual cleaning of surgical
token, too much detergent could leave harmful residuals that are not
instruments potentially exposes a technician to harmful
easily rinsed off. A simplified way to ensure correct concentrations is
microorganisms and bacteria. Cleaning contaminated instruments
to establish a sink fill line and corresponding measuring cup for the
with a wet aerosol spray has been shown to transfer bio-burden from
required dilution. A detergent proportioner can also be used, which is
the instrument to the surrounding environment. Supporting studies
directly connected to the faucet and a supply of detergent, to ensure
show that it is possible to transmit diseases through this aerosol
the correct dilution.
spray. As a result, proper personal protective equipment should be
Another variant of detergent concentration is soiled water. As items
used, and instruments should be scrubbed under water.
are processed, the detergents suspend the removed soil in the water.
Instruments are becoming more sophisticated and technologically
Over time, the amount of suspended soil accumulates and could lead
advanced, but the need to manually wash instruments will always
to the growth of biofilm, risking re-contamination. It is important to
remain. While an effective manual cleaning regimen can go a long
ensure that the cleanliness of the soak and wash water is monitored
way to minimize variability and safety concerns, the human factor
and changed as the water becomes dirty.
will continue to exist. Only a mechanical washer-disinfector system
Effective cleaning also requires that brushes or cleaning
can dramatically reduce, if not fully eliminate, the impact of the
instruments come in contact with all surfaces being cleaned. For
human factor. a73
© 2009 Getinge, USA, Inc. Safe to Handle is published by Getinge USA, Inc. For information on all products, contact: GETINGE GROUP is a leading global provider of products and
Getinge USA, Inc.
systems that contribute to quality enhancement and cost efficiency
1777 East Henrietta Road
within healthcare and life sciences. We operate under the three
Rochester, New York 14623-3133 U.S.A.
brands of ArjoHuntleigh, GETINGE and MAQUET. ArjoHuntleigh
Phone: (800) 475-9040
focuses on patient mobility and wound management solutions.
GETINGE provides solutions for infection control and contamination
Fax: (585) 272-5033
prevention within healthcare and life sciences. MAQUET specializes
info@getingeusa.com www.getingeusa.com in solutions, therapies and products for surgical interventions and
intensive care.
Getinge USA, Inc.
1777 East Henrietta Road
Rochester, New York 14623-3133
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68