Infection control


Bacteria Bacteria on the other hand are single- celled microbes. The main difference between viruses and bacteria is that bacteria are free-living cells that can live inside or outside a body, while viruses are a non-living collection of molecules that need a host to survive. Spores can be found in some but


not all bacteria. Spores are tough to eradicate as they contain a mechanism that allows them to survive in a dormant state until conditions are right to grow. Clostridium difficile, for example, prevalent in care homes, is a spore- forming bacterium and as such is difficult to combat using traditional disinfectants. Cases of infection caused by


the bacteria methylcillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are also a concern in the care sector. MRSA infection can occur in any communal establishment and can have potentially disastrous consequences to health.


Infection control in care homes So how do we effectively control viruses and bacteria in the care home environment? Regardless of industry, sector or type of facility, the processes of cleaning and disinfection are a vital method for minimising the risks from illness by ensuring that surfaces are free from contaminants, bacteria or viruses. While cleaning and disinfection may


vary from scenario to scenario, the common elements are as follows. 1. Remove gross debris. 2. Apply a detergent along with physical energy to disrupt the soil/substrate surface layer.


3. Rinse or wipe to remove displaced debris.


4. Apply a disinfectant to reduce the remaining bacteria/virus population to safe levels.


Key terms to understand Cleaning


Detergent


Disinfection Sterilisation Sanitiser


Cleaning can be a manual or automated process but typically involves the use of a detergent, this prevents the bacteria and virus parasites from being shielded. To ensure a hygienic clean, one that will deter virus and bacteria, cleaning must be followed by disinfection. This is when things get more complex


in terms of type of disinfectant, its British Standard European Norm (BS EN) certification, contact time and also levels of dilution. Table 1 shows the most relevant classifications. Historically, most disinfectants


have been tested to BS EN 1276, the European standard for the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants. This is a suspension test that involves the exposure of bacteria to a chemical over a set time period, looking at the number of bacteria that can reproduce after the exposure is complete. A 5-log reduction is required to pass


this test. This means that if 1,000,000 bacteria were exposed to the disinfectant for five minutes and ten were left, it would result in a 99.999 per cent reduction. Until recently, not many products in


the cleaning arsenal were accredited with BS EN 14476. The onset of the Covid-19


pandemic, however, has led to a focus on tests for this standard, originally developed for medical purposes. To eliminate a virus such as the


Covid-19 strain of coronavirus (SARS- CoV-2), we need to see that the disinfectant product has passed the full version of BS EN 14476, or a modification of the same test, which includes a specific strain of an enveloped virus. In order to ensure effective control


of Clostridium difficile, which can survive a normal spray and wipe regime, a sporicidal disinfectant must be used which needs to comply to BS EN 13704.


Choosing the right products So, when choosing your cleaning products, look for the BS EN accreditation with approved kitemark. In addition, note the contact time required to be effective as well as whether it has virucidal and bactericidal efficacy. The range of products produced


at Clover Christeyns are put through rigorous testing by independent research laboratories to ensure the effectiveness against viruses and bacteria and we provide clear information on efficacy testing results and required dilution


The process of removing dirt, soil and other objectionable matter from a surface.


A chemical, often made from soap that enables the removal of dirt, soil and other objectionable matter from a surface. They can include degreasers and abrasives.


The process of reducing micro-organisms on a surface to a level that is unlikely to cause infection. The process of eradicating all micro-organisms on a surface.


A chemical that contains the properties of a detergent and a disinfectant and can be used as a one-step process.


Bactericidal / A process or chemical capable of killing bacteria. Anti-bacterial Viricidal


26 A process or chemical capable of inactivating viruses. www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • December 2021


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