TOMORROW’S CLEANING APRIL 10
A false sense of security
HYGIENA INTERNATIONAL’S DR. MARTIN EASTER ARGUES THE CASE FOR OBJECTIVE MEASUREMENT OF CLEANLINESS
PEAT scores, used to assess levels of cleanliness define “visibly clean” as “smear free with no blood or body substances, dust, dirt, debris, adhesive tape, stains, scuff marks, or spillages”.
This level of cleanliness is easily demonstrated but is still very subjective. The assessment of cleaning is often still based on visual estimations that can give a false sense of security.
The National Institute of Health Research recognises that the “NHS places greater reliance on visual assessment of surface cleanness. However, reliance on observational evidence in judging cleaning efficacy is subjective and may be of questionable validity. Microbiological tests tell us nothing about product residues left on surfaces that can support the survival and growth of microbes.”
It also identified that “the ideal test for cleaning efficiency then is a test for organic matter itself. It needs to provide reliable accurate results yet be simple enough to be performed on the ward. The use of ATP bioluminescence can provide this, giving an instant indication of total surface contamination and importantly an objective assessment of cleanliness. ATP detects invisible contamination and tells us that the surface has been cleaned.”
Cleaning means different things to different people in different circumstances from general tidiness to absolute sterility. Accordingly, education, training, as well as clear definitions and a common understanding of terms and practices is essential. Effective cleaning requires that modern chemicals and processes are applied correctly. Written schedules and procedures provide clear instructions to
operators as required under the Health and Social Care Act.
The Care Quality Commission will audit these documents and will require supporting evidence of compliance and due diligence.
technology is that it detects invisible organic matter and delivers an objective result in just 15 seconds. Therefore it provides real time, measurable evidence for due diligence, management information and trend analysis.
The Hygiena SystemSURE ATP system is simple and easy to use by non-technical staff in any location and provides electronic data that is timed and dated. The instant numerical results have a powerful impact in demonstrating the importance of correct cleaning procedure to both cleaning staff and contractors including training on hand hygiene.
The NHS cleaning manual defines cleaning as;
“A process, which physically removes contamination but does not necessarily destroy micro-organisms.
“Cleaning removes micro-organisms and the organic material on which they thrive.”
In addition, it states that “effective cleaning of patient equipment prior to disinfection or sterilisation is of utmost importance in reducing the risk of transmission of infectious agents” and that “In order to decontaminate patient equipment effectively all organic debris (for example, blood, tissue and other body fluids) must be removed from the item prior to disinfection and/or sterilisation.”
ATP bioluminescence technology is well established with 30 years of proven use in several industries and has been approved by Rapid Review Panel. The benefit of ATP
The future of our cleaning industry | TOMORROW’S CLEANING | 67
HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE
It is also used in sterile services departments for cleaning verification of washer disinfectors and endoscopes. Experienced users generate monthly reports that are circulated at all management levels.
The full value and overall impact of recent extra resources provided to fight infection, such as increased spend and cleaning initiatives (Deep Clean, Clean Your Hands etc) will never be realised if we continue to rely wholly on subjective visual methods of assessment.
There is a more scientific, objective and proven measurement method available at minimal cost. This provides evidence to board level that their cleaning and additional resources have given value for money.
www.hygienausa.com
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