INFECTION PREVENTION sponsored by


COVID-19 exposed the weakness in infection prevention and control pandemic preparedness and stimulated many envi- ronmental solutions, Hoffmann empha- sized. “The emergence of respiratory diseases, i.e., severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003, H1N1 influena epidemic in 011, and I- 19 in 00 has cemented the significance of providing adequate ventilation in healthcare facilities. There are three recom- mended environmental control measures fans, room air HVAC units and upper room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to improve ventilation.”


The cheapest intervention is using fans with outside air which in healthcare is problematic because of a lack of filtration, she continued. “Room HEPA units with are economical but have several limitations including, being noisy so are often turned off or blocked, and since these units gener- ally sit on the floor or are mounted to wall draw air in a directional airflow that can increase exposure and may likely do little to improve air exchange rates. UVGI, for example the Vidashield UV24 system has overcome these problems by pulling air directionally up to the ceiling and returning 99. purification. Initial installation costs of UVGI are higher than fans and most


room HEPA units, but as an HVAC adjunct proides continuous  air filtration.


Preparation matters As a result of the pandemic, the conversations about UV disinfection for health- care facilities have changed significantly, accord- ing to Sarah Simmons, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC, Xenex Senior Director of Science.


Another positive that came out of the Sarah Simmons


“People have a deeper understanding of the importance of a properly disinfected environment and the imperative to reduce the levels of pathogens in the patient environment.”


Her colleague, Witt Copeland, Senior Director of Sales, said, “As a former EVS Director, I’m familiar with the chal- lenges faced by EVS teams who need to disinfect rooms thoroughly yet quickly, even when staff- ing is tight. The LightStrike


Witt Copeland


UV robot is proven to destroy pathogens that are missed and/or survive liquid chemical cleaning, which reduces the risk of germs being transmitted to hospital employees or patients.”


pandemic was the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Emerging Viral Pathogens Program (EVP), said Sharon Ward-Fore, BS, MS, MT(ASCP), CIC, FAPIC, Metrex. “The emerging viral pathogen claim allows disinfectant companies to make claims against harder-to-kill pathogens in the event of an outbreak. Companies can apply for this claim before an outbreak occurs


Sharon Ward-Fore


using previous EPA-approved kill claims. When the emerging viral pathogen guidance is triggered, the disinfectants approved by the EPA for this claim are then able to make off-label claims for the new pathogen responsible for the outbreak. The emerging viral pathogen claim helps us know which disinfectants will work against new patho- gens in a timely manner without being delayed by needing to obtain and test the outbreak strain. This is how we prepare for the next pandemic.” HPN


References:


1. GOJO. PURELL Brand Expands Surface Portfolio with Launch of Healthcare Surface Disinfecting Wipes. https://www.gojo.com/ en/Newsroom/Press-Releases/2022/PURELL-Brand-Expands- Surface-Portfolio-with-Launch-of-Healthcare-Surface-Disinfecting- Wipes. Accessed June 1, 2022.


28 July 2022 • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • hpnonline.com


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