INFECTION PREVENTION
Recent research has shown how HCW can spread dangerous microbes from infected patients to other areas of a hos- pital through the soles of their shoes. A study published in the August 2022
issue of The Journal of Hospital Infection describes how researchers cultured the shoe soles of HCW twice per shift while they were caring for patients infected with C. diffi cile on a general care fl oor of an acute-care institution. They also processed patients’ fecal samples by routine micro- biological methods.
A total of 103 HCW exposed to 42 hospi- talized patients participated in the study, providing 206 samples. Contamination of shoe soles with C. diffi cile was detected in 37 samples (17.8%). Upon comparing the patients’ and HCW’s C. diffi cile strains, 74% were linked epidemiologically to infected patients. The researchers note how this suggests potential transmission by of C. diffi cile by HCW’s shoe soles.2 PathO3Gen Solutions UVZone Shoe Sanitizing Station is an innovative multi- patented disinfection technology using the combined power of UVC light and ozone. It is on average 110x more effec- tive than UVC alone, and as much as 346 times more effective for some microorgan- isms studied; eliminating up to 99.999% of the most harmful pathogens includ- ing Candida auris, E. coli, C. diff, MRSA, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Norovirus, and Human coronavirus from shoe soles in ≤ 8 seconds. “Pathogens are proven to spread quickly
from hospital fl oors to high-touch sur- faces”, said Scott Beal, COO PathO3Gen Solutions. “UVZone is an easy-to-use, portable, chemical-free technology that enhances existing infection prevention protocols to lower overall bioburden in your facilities creating cleaner, safer environments.” The UVZone Shoe Sanitizing Station is NSF International tested, TÜV SÜD Certifi ed, EPA Registered, and manu- factured in an ISO 9001-2015 facil- ity in the USA.
Protecting against chemo drug exposure The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) classifi es anti- neoplastic drugs, including chemotherapy to treat cancer, as hazardous drugs. HCW exposed to them have increased risk for leukemia, other cancers, adverse reproduc- tive outcomes, and chromosomal damage.3 While PPE is an essential part of protec- tion, a NIOSH study found 12% of female nonpregnant nurses and 9% of pregnant nurses never wore gloves when admin- istering antineoplastic drugs, and 42% of nonpregnant nurses and 38% of pregnant nurses reported never using a gown 4 Cardinal Health manufacturers a variety of PPE that meets industry performance and safety standards to help keep clinicians and patients safe. The company’s apparel solutions include Association for the Advancement of Medical Instru mentation (AAMI) (PB705
) Level 2-4 isolation gowns,
AAMI Level 3 and 4 surgical gowns, chemo- therapy gowns, headwear and footwear, lab apparel, facial protection, and exam gloves. “Cardinal Health Infection Control Apparel stays at the forefront of the regulatory environ- ment, continuously evaluating and improving product offerings so custom- ers can comply with industry best prac- tices,” said Rosie Squeo, RN, BSN, MA, Senior Clinical Consultant in Busi- ness & Clinical Opti mization at Cardinal Health. “Our newly devel- oped, ChemoPlus Chemotherapy Gowns and Sleeves are chemo- tested and meet AAMI Level 3 and
Cardinal Health ChemoPlus
Chemotherapy Gown
help protect against exposure to 16 types of chemotherapy drugs during prepara- tion, handling, administration and more — wherever therapy is delivered.” “This year, we also reintroduced our AAMI Level 3 Isolation Gowns that allow clinicians to level up for greater protection,” Squeo added. “These gowns, along with the new ChemoPlus gowns, are made in North America for greater supply resiliency.” Tronex Healthcare Vice President
UVZone Shoe Sanitizing Station
Edmund Tai, says, “Make a statement in pink! Offering over three decades of exper- tise in disposable PPE, Tronex delivers a
Tronex Healthcare’s new PINK line of PPE
Shielding female clinicians from radiation
The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) radiation protec- tion standards are based on the premise that any radiation dose carries some risk, and that risk increases with dose. The OSHA website notes how “Some workers, such as radiology department workers, may be repeatedly exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation over the course of their careers.” While the “resulting dose levels are almost always below the threshold doses needed for deterministic health effects to occur,” the government agency makes a point to state how “stochastic health effects, such as cancer, may occur years following the radiation dose.”6
For female clinicians, conventional radia-
tion PPE garments, such as aprons, may not fi t their body shape, leaving areas exposed. To enhance protection, BLOXR Solutions developed its BLOXR XPF Bra Inserts, which minimize occupational exposure of the breast area to scatter radiation for those medical personnel involved with x-ray and fl uoroscopy.
comprehensive line of GPO-contracted clinically preferred protective solutions.” Tai comments on the company’s new PINK line of PPE: “Our advanced formulation PINK Nitrile Chemo-Rated Examination Gloves offer superior fi t and softness, tactile sensitivity, and exceptional barrier protection. Tronex PINK Nitrile exam gloves are fi ngertip- textured and not made with natural rub- ber latex. The Tronex PINK Bouffant Cap is made of a breathable, fl uid-resistant mul- tilayer non-woven material and features a soft elastic for all-day comfort.”
BLOXR XPF-Bra Inserts
hpnonline.com • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • December 2022 25
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