A multiphase intervention of novel color additive for bleach disinfectant wipes improves thoroughness of cleaning in an academic medical center

Jerry M Zuckerman,Constance Cutler,Kevin Tyan,Luis Marmolejo,Dennis Ray,Kunle Modupe,Jason Kang

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2021.11.002

Abstract

Surface disinfection is critical for preventing health care-associated infections; however, sustaining high-quality cleaning technique is challenging without constant feedback and training of staff. A novel color additive to bleach wipes, Highlight, indicates where surfaces have been wiped and fades to colorless to provide real-time visual feedback of cleaning. In a multiphase interventional study, Highlight reduced failure rates of cleaning based on fluorescent marker removal (15.0%-4.5%) and adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay (3.6%-2.5%).

Highlights

Effective surface disinfection plays a critical role in preventing health care-associated infections
The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has further highlighted the urgent need to continue investing in environmental services (EVS) and improved disinfection practices.[2,3]
Cleaning scores improved over time during the Highlight phases, with the second intervention phase recording no failures across both tests (Fig 2)

Summary

Introduction

Effective surface disinfection plays a critical role in preventing health care-associated infections. Successful environmental cleaning requires 3 core strategies: selecting an appropriate disinfectant product, practicing thorough cleaning technique, and empowering people with training and guidance.[1] In particular, the practice of effective surface cleaning involves proper training, adherence to protocols, and close monitoring with regular feedback. When implemented properly, these combined strategies can lead to significantly improved patient outcomes and cost savings. The introduction of germicidal bleach wipes to an academic medical center in conjunction with staff training and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence monitoring led to a reduction of hospital-acquired Clostridioides difficile infection by 85% and cost savings of up to $216,000.4

Methods

Results

Conclusion