Effective prevention of infection in hospitals is critically dependent on various facets, among which the selection and use of cleaning and disinfection products are paramount. Professionals in environmental services and infection prevention base this selection on efficacy, safety, and cost considerations. Currently, many hospitals resort to automated wall-mounted systems for dispensing dilutable disinfectants. Designed to promote cost-efficiency and chemical stability, these systems, however, necessitate vigilant monitoring to affirm the correctness of the disinfectant’s dilution ratio.
Prior studies have brought to light inconsistencies in dilution levels. This variation harbors the risk of surface contamination and may subsequently hamper the efficacy of infection prevention efforts. Design modifications, such as flow-control adjustments and water-pressure regulators, have shown improvement in dilution accuracy. Nevertheless, hospitals should actively conduct periodic testing to verify proper dilution levels.
A recent study led by Dr. Curtis J. Donskey aimed to dive deeper into this matter, investigating the operation of automated disinfectant dispensers in 30 hospitals across the United States. The objective was to assess if these systems are delivering the correct concentrations of disinfectant. Various aspects were explored, from product stability to potential incorrect usage and subpar cleaning results. The criticality of proper dilution and application of disinfectants was highlighted, along with the risks associated with incorrectly replacing concentrate bottles or using defective disinfectant products.
The investigation encompassed testing of three different types of dispensers across four healthcare entities within five states. Results demonstrated that none of the health facilities had a regular monitoring routine in place. These findings were shared with all the participating facilities, emphasizing the need for monitoring the dilution mechanism of these dispensers. The idea of implementing a standard operating procedure was mooted, which mandates EVS personnel to assess the disinfectant concentration using simple, cost-effective test strips each time a new concentrate bottle is introduced.
Emphasis was placed on system design, particularly the placement of concentrate within the dispensing system. Consistency in positioning the concentrate across different floors was encouraged to avoid confusion. The study also identified common issues like improper connection or damaging the top of the concentrate container that led to inadequate or no dispensing of disinfectant from the system.
This investigation, offering unprecedented insights into the potential discrepancy in dispensing systems at hospitals, furthers our understanding of hospital disinfection practices. It stresses the significance of continuous evaluation and enforcement of regular, procedural controls to realize effective infection prevention.