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Background: Enhancing the current breast pump sanitization method may improve maternal satisfaction and increase a mother's likelihood of providing human milk for their hospitalized infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Other than Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, there is lack of studies on sanitization practices. Currently, the only option in the hospital setting for breast pump equipment cleaning is a steam sanitization plastic bag. Purpose: Using the Q. Basin will increase participant satisfaction compared to the steam sanitization bag. Methods: A multi-phased pilot study was conducted in our quaternary care NICU to test the Q. Basin, a novel design developed to wash, dry, and safely steam sanitize breast pump equipment compared to the standard steam bag. A bacterial study was conducted on breast pump equipment from 10 mothers by swabbing the equipment immediately at hour zero and 24 hours. Twenty NICU mothers concurrently evaluated their satisfaction via a 3-question survey comparing the Q. Basin and the steam sanitization plastic bag method. Results: The results showed a 20% increase in satisfaction with Q. Basin compared to the steam bag method. Implications for Practice and Research: Data analysis from the satisfaction survey concludes that mothers pumping preferred the Q. Basin as a quicker, faster, and more environmentally friendly method for breast pump part sanitization. Additional safety and materials studies are required before using the Q. Basin in the clinical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Central Venous Lines (CVL) are an important part of patient care, allowing the administration of intravenous fluids, blood, drugs and parenteral solutions. Their use is a cause of infections due to micro-organisms colonizing the skin at the entry point or the catheter or other point along it or the fluids administered by the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI's) in children's ICUs are an important factor that negatively affects the course of the disease, causing complications, perhaps irreversible. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the interventions for the management of CLABSI's in neonatal and pediatric ICUs. Methodology: Published research articles in the years 2016-2021 in valid scientific journals referring to children with CVL hospitalized in neonatal and pediatric ICUs were studied. A systematic search of the literature was performed in digital scientific databases (Medline, PubMed Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library) using keywords. The PICOS (Population, Interventions, Controls, Outcome, Study design) procedure was used as a criterion for the inclusion of an article in the present study. The evaluation of the articles of the bibliographic search were evaluated using the PRISMA method. Results: Interventions for the management of CLABSI's included the use of chlorhexidine-soaked pads, implementation of measures to prevent CLABSI's, use of a pre-filled disposable syringe for flushing, implementation of an infection surveillance system, use of new methods/measures for introduction of the catheter, use and management of CVL, use of ethanol lock, use of antibiotic-impregnated catheter and multidimensional approaches. Conclusions: As it was seen from the results of the study, there are several research evidence regarding the effectiveness of nursing interventions to limit CLABSI's in neonatal and children's ICUs. Nevertheless, it seems that prevention measures for CLABSI's and hand hygiene guidelines have a decisive role in limiting CLABSI's in neonatal and pediatric ICUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When developing devices and processes, viable spores and biological indicators can be used to detect the presence of the sterilising agent. In particular, a change in the D values can provide important information. But indicators, which can only be evaluated in a laboratory after 7 days’ incubation, are not recommended for routine operations in the healthcare setting. Chemical indicators are useful for distinguishing between sterilized and unsterilized items of packaging. They are needed for the Bowie & Dick test but are not suitable for demonstrating proof of sterilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soilage of the surgical endoscope occurs frequently during minimally invasive surgery. The resultant impairment of visualization of the surgical field compromises patient safety, prolongs operative times, and frustrates surgeons. The standard practice for cleaning the surgical camera involves a disruption in the conduct of surgery by completely removing the endoscope from the field, manually cleaning its lens, treating it with a surfactant, and reinserting it into the patient; after which the surgeon resumes the procedure. Methods: We developed an automated solution for in vivo endoscope cleaning in minimally invasive surgery- a port that detects the position of the endoscope in its distal lumen, and precisely and automatically delivers a pressurized mist of cleaning solution to the lens of the camera. No additions to the scope and minimal user interaction with the port are required. We tested the efficacy of this troCarWash™ device in a porcine model of laparoscopy. Four board-certified general surgeons were instructed to soil and then clean the laparoscope using the device. Representative pre- and post-clean images were exported from the surgical video and clarity was graded (1) digitally by a canny edge detection algorithm, and (2) subjectively by 3 blinded, unbiased observers using a semi-quantitative scale. Results: We observed statistically significant improvements in clarity by each method and for each surgeon, and we noted significant correlation between digital and subjective scores. Conclusion: Based on these data, we conclude that the troCarWash™ effectively restored impaired visualization in a large animal model of laparoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Flexible endoscopes have a complicated design which includes several small lumen channels intended to facilitate the flow of fluids, tissue, and tools through the length of the device. This complex design leads to reprocessing challenges for high-level disinfection (HLD) to ensure endoscopes are free from contaminants that could lead to hospital-acquired infections. The aim of this project was to identify optimal strategies and obstacles for each stage of flexible endoscope HLD through an integrative review with the goal of achieving reprocessing excellence. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline and CINAHL databases. A total of 32 articles and six guidelines were included in the review. Results: Ten elements with best-practice recommendations of flexible endoscope HLD have been identified. The HLD elements that received the most literature support include quality assurance/process monitoring and manual cleaning/decontamination. Several barriers to the adequate performance of HLD elements were also identified. Conclusion: This integrative review applied varying levels of rigour to identify and synthesize best practices for the following HLD elements: point-of-use treatment, transport, leak testing, manual cleaning/decontamination, visual inspection, manual or automated HLD, rinsing/drying, storage/hang time, record keeping, and quality assurance/process monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cleaning is crucial for reprocessing reusable surgical instruments (RSIs). In this study, we used the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence method to assess the cleanliness of RSIs according to the cleaning method used. Methods: From April 3 to June 2, 2023, surgical sets, including hemostatic forceps, needle holders, operating scissors, dressing forceps, and suction tubes, that arrived at the decontamination room in the central sterile supply department of one general hospital were selected through convenience sampling. For each of the three cleaning processes, 30 cleaned RSIs were sampled with test swabs for inspection, and the relative light unit value was measured using ATP test equipment. Results: Suction tubes, hemostatic forceps, and needle holders ranked low in cleanliness (χ²=11.69, p=.020), and the contamination rate after mechanical cleaning was significantly lower than that after manual cleaning (χ²=31.34, p<.001). Conclusion: Surgical instruments treated by manual processing and those containing tubes were associated with the low cleanliness. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether surgical instruments, including tubes, are manually washed at an appropriate level, and regular monitoring will be required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formula fed infants experience gastrointestinal infections at higher rates than breastfed infants, due in part to bacteria in powdered infant formula (PIF) and bacterial contamination of infant feeding equipment. The United Kingdom National Health Service (UK NHS) has adopted the World Health Organization recommendation that water used to reconstitute PIF is ≥70°C to eliminate bacteria. We used community science methods to co‐design an at home experiment and online questionnaire ('research diary') to explore the safety of PIF preparation compared to UK NHS guidelines. 200 UK‐based parents of infants aged ≤12 months were recruited; 151 provided data on PIF preparation, and 143 were included in the analysis of water temperatures used to reconstitute PIF. Only 14.9% (n = 11) of 74 PIF preparation machines produced a water temperature of ≥70°C compared with 78.3% (n = 54) of 69 kettle users (p < 0.001). The mean temperature of water dispensed by PIF preparation machines was 9°C lower than kettles (Machine M = 65.78°C, Kettle M = 75.29°C). Many parents did not always fully follow NHS safer PIF preparation guidance, and parents did not appear to understand the potential risks of PIF bacterial contamination. Parents should be advised that the water dispensed by PIF preparation machines may be below 70°C, and could result in bacteria remaining in infant formula, potentially leading to gastrointestinal infections. PIF labelling should advise that water used to prepare PIF should be ≥70°C and highight the risks of not using sufficiently hot water, per WHO Europe advice. There is an urgent need for stronger consumer protections regarding PIF preparation devices. Key points: Only 14.9% (n = 11) of 74 PIF preparation machines produced a water temperature of ≥70°C compared with 78.3% (n = 54) of 69 kettle users (p < 0.001).The mean temperature of water dispensed by PIF preparation machines was 9°C lower than kettles (Machine M = 65.78°C, Kettle M = 75.29°C).Most parents routinely washed and sterilised bottles and teats.Many parents did not always fully follow NHS safer PIF preparation guidance, including 21.8% washing their hands half the time or less, and 14.6% regularly pre‐preparing bottles.Most parents did not appear to understand the risks of PIF bacterial contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nursing Perspectives / Ošetřovatelské Perspektivy is the property of Silesian University in Opava, Faculty of Public Policies in Opava and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Successful treatment of peri-implantitis requires decontamination of implant surfaces exposed to biofilms and byproducts of tissue inflammation. In this regard, dental lasers may provide a clinical benefit. While the inherent characteristics of specific laser wavelengths may damage titanium implant surfaces, in vitro and animal studies have shown that damage to the target surface can be avoided with the selection of appropriate laser parameters. In this in situ human study, five hopeless implants were irradiated, each by one of the following lasers: Nd:YAG (1,064 nm), Er,Cr:YSGG (2,780 nm), Er:YAG (2,940 nm), CO2 (9,300 nm), and CO2 (10,600 nm) at their recommended settings. All implants were then removed and examined under scanning electron microscopy for the presence of residual bacteria and to assess the extent of damage to the implant surface. An additional implant (implant no. six) was irradiated and evaluated by the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate test for the presence of residual lipopolysaccharide endotoxin. The results showed that while there were localized areas of heat-related damage to an implant surface following laser irradiation, residual bacteria were rarely noted. Additionally, the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate test indicated a nearly complete removal of endotoxin. With the use of appropriate settings, all current dental lasers can be utilized for implant surface decontamination in a human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The goal of this study was to create a cleaning procedure by comparing the performance of six different cleaning methods on the surfaces in pharmacy intravenous admixture service (PIVAS) work area. Method: A stainless steel plate was simulating contaminated by gemcitabine, cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, etoposide, and paclitaxel, which was then dried and cleaned by per current cleaning protocols. The residues were collected and quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). Based on the most appropriate cleaning protocol, three cleaning variables were optimized: (1) use of dry gauze after cleaning agent application; (2) cleaning paths (inside-out vs. outside-in); (3) cleaning times (once or twice). Best conditions were tested with real samples from a hospital PIVAS. Results: This 10–2 M sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dry gauze cleaning protocol increases cleaning efficiency as well as saves time. Different from the traditional cleaning manner, we found that cleaning from outside to inside can not only improve the cleaning efficiency but also overcome the uneven distribution of drug residues caused by cleaning action. When simulating contamination at a high dose (4 mg/mL) level, it was found that the decontamination efficacy increased with repeating one more time. Conclusion: The 10–2 M SDS and dry gauze cleaning protocol could obtain the best cleaning effect. The success of cytotoxic drug decontamination is determined not only by the cleaning solution, but also by the cleaning route and frequency. Compared with the traditional cleaning manner, there was a significant reduction in the contamination levels in the PIVAS work area after the cleaning protocol with 10–2 M SDS and dry gauze. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mark Beckwith outlines a step-by-step guide to the manual and automated process for the cleaning, lubrication and sterilisation of handpieces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated the cleaning potential of a protein-denaturing agent with or without anionic detergent by monitoring the residual contamination on healing abutments used for dental implant treatment. Method and materials: Forty contaminated healing abutments removed from patients were randomized and immediately treated with differing cleaning methods; either Method A (presoaking in 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate followed by ultrasonication with 4 mol/L guanidine hydrochloride), or Method B (soaking in distilled water followed by ultrasonication with 4 mol/L guanidine hydrochloride) was used. Samples were stained with phloxine B and photographed using a light microscope. The proportion of stained and contaminated areas on each healing abutment was then calculated using Image J. The surface was examined with a scanning electron microscope and energydispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Results: The percentages of contaminated surfaces of the screwdriver engagement region, upper body, and lower body for methods A and B were 50% and 38%, 10% and 80%, and 38% and 18%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (engagement region [P < .001], upper body [P = .043], and lower body [P = .017]; Mann-Whitney) regarding the residually stained areas between the two cleaning methods. No surface alterations were seen by scanning electron microscopy. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed that the cleaned surfaces of the healing abutments revealed no signs of organic contamination. Conclusion: Although the combination of a strong denaturing agent and detergent effectively cleaned contaminated healing abutments, perfect cleaning was not always possible, indicating that the reuse of healing abutments in different patients is not recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Capturing implant position in impression-making procedures commonly involves transfer devices, such as implant impression copings and laboratory analogs. These components are intricately machined, including the lumen, and often include additional features for prevention of screw dislodgment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all surfaces in contact with human bodily fluid be disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectant. The ability of these components to harbor biologic contaminant material has not yet been determined, especially with regard to internal configuration, combined with the knowledge that many clinicians and laboratories use a spray disinfectant, which may limit disinfectant contact. The aim of this study was to determine the site and extent of contamination occurring on implant components following clinical impressions and laboratory procedures. Materials and Methods: The study design included forensic staining and subsequent analysis of 60 used impression copings, 10 used laboratory analogs, and 10 new components as controls. Results: Staining was found on 100% of impression copings used in vivo, indicating that biologic material had reached multiple sites on both internal and external surfaces of the components. Staining was also found on the internal aspect of used implant analogs, indicating transfer of biologic material from the impression coping and screw. None of the new control components presented staining at any site. Staining highlighted difficult areas to debride, particularly components with difficult or impossible access for cleaning and disinfection. Conclusion: Phloxine B staining indicated the ability of biologic material to reach all areas of the implant components. Having demonstrated the difficulty, sometimes impossibility, of accessing areas of these implant components, there is a need to develop protocols to reduce risk of potential transmission of infective material via implant components. Further study is warranted to determine the potential for transmission of infective material due to inadequate disinfection processes of implant componentry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hospital environment serves as a niche for pathogenic microorganisms, so efforts are constantly being made to identify the potential mode of microbial pathogen transmission causing clinical infections. Objective: The aim of this study was to microbiologically examine the stethoscopes used by clinicians at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Benin, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 106 clinicians' stethoscopes were cleaned using cotton-tipped swabs dampened with normal saline. This included both earpieces along with the diaphragm (three samples per stethoscope). The samples were then sent to the Medical Microbiology Laboratory of UBTH and processed immediately as per the standard guidelines. The emergent colonies were subsequently identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed. Results: A total of 114 (35.8%) bacterial isolates were recovered, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (33.3%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (33.3%), Bacillus spp. (22.8%), Acinetobacter spp. (5.3%), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (1.8%) and Klebsiella spp. (3.5%). Diaphragms had the highest yield of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (46.2%) and CoNS (17.9%). Age (P = 0.0387) and cadre of clinician (P = 0.0043) were risk factors for contamination, whereas clinicians who never cleaned their stethoscopes (P = 0.0044) or cleaned only the earpieces (P = 0.0001) had more contaminated stethoscopes. Conclusion: The contamination rate of stethoscopes used by clinicians in Benin City was 56.6%. There is a need to establish proper stethoscope cleaning practices for all cadres of personnel in clinical practice to minimise health risks to patients and healthcare workers (HCW). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the survival and persistence of enveloped phi 6 bacteriophages on several fomites at farmers markets and simulate cross-contamination at farmers markets. Fomites from farmers markets were inoculated with phi 6 bacteriophages (a surrogate for coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2) and plaque forming units (PFUs) were assessed over 30 days at 23 ± 2 °C. Phi 6 persisted up to 16 days on wicker, 13 days on plastic, 4 days on cardboard and molded pulp fiber, and 2 days on tablecloths. The transfer rate of phi 6 from fomites to hands and produce was assessed at high and low phi 6 concentrations at 23 ± 2 °C. With a high concentration level (107 PFU/ml), the mean transfer rate from fomites to produce ranged from 21% to 30%, and fomites to hands ranged from 21% to 29%, while with a low phi 6 load (10³ PFU/ml), the transfer rate from fomites to produce ranged from 10% to 30%, and no phi 6 was detected from fomites to hands. The results highlight the high risk of cross-contamination from fomites. From a practitioner and public health standpoint, the results of our study show the need to address the use of containers made from cardboard, molded pulp fiber, and wicker, and to ensure that these containers are not reused over time. In addition, managers of farmers markets should encourage the use of nonporous and easy-to-clean and sanitize reusable containers and other food contact surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk contains a low-biomass, low-diversity microbiome, consisting largely of bacteria. This community is of great research interest in the context of infant health and maternal and mammary health. However, this sample type presents many unique methodological challenges. In particular, there are numerous technical considerations relating to sample collection and storage, DNA extraction and sequencing, viability, and contamination. Failure to properly address these challenges may lead to distortion of bacterial DNA profiles generated from human milk samples, ultimately leading to spurious conclusions. Here, these technical challenges are discussed, and various methodological approaches used to address them are analyzed. Data were collected from studies in which a breadth of methodological approaches were used, and recommendations for robust and reproducible analysis of the human milk microbiome are proposed. Such methods will ensure high-quality data are produced in this field, ultimately supporting better research outcomes for mothers and infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To answer the following PICOS question: In adult patients with peri‐implantitis, what is the efficacy of sub‐marginal instrumentation combined with chemical surface decontamination in comparison with sub‐marginal instrumentation with or without placebo, in terms of changes in probing depth (PD) and/or bleeding on probing, as reported in prospective randomized controlled trials, non‐randomized controlled trials, or prospective cohort studies, with a minimum of 6‐month "follow‐up". Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Ovid Medline, and The Cochrane Library of the Cochrane Collaboration (CENTRAL) for articles published until March 2022. Data addressing the primary and secondary outcomes were extracted. Results: The search gave 2033 results of which 3 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two studies investigated the use of anti‐microbial photodynamic therapy as adjunct to sub‐marginal instrumentation and the third study assessed the adjunctive use of a desiccant material. A meta‐analysis was not deemed meaningful because of the large heterogeneity among the studies. All three studies showed favourable results in terms of PD reduction for chemical surface decontamination over control approaches, but were inconsistent or showed no differences for the other outcome variables. Conclusions: Adjunctive chemical approaches for implant surface decontamination may offer an advantage over sub‐marginal instrumentation alone, in terms of improved PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel emergence of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in the United Kingdom in 1995/96 as a result of the transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agents from cattle to humans triggered a previously unprecedented crisis in Europe at the interface of animal health and human public health. This prompted Germany to reconsider, among other things, the practice of reprocessing medical devices with regard to the unconventional BSE/ vCJD pathogens, so-called prions (from “proteinaceous infectious particles”). In 2002, a vCJD task force set up with this objective presented recommendations for minimizing/reducing the risk of vCJD transmission through surgical instruments and other medical devices. According to these recommendations, routine reprocessing should combine at least two procedures that are also (at least partially) suitable for decontamination/inactivation of these pathogens if there is no identifiable risk of contamination with prions. In practice, this includes in particular careful cleaning (decontamination), preferably with alkaline detergents, and subsequent sterilization with moist heat (“steam sterilization”) at 134°C with a holding time of 5 minutes. The validation of the processes is of great importance. From today’s point of view, the central recommendations of the vCJD Task Force for medical device reprocessing have proven to be sustainable with good practicability. The effectiveness of the recommended measures against prions has been confirmed on a broad basis in numerous studies. In line with the paradigmatically high demands that prions place on hygiene in the reprocessing of medical devices, this effectiveness in practice extends simultaneously to conventional pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. In perspective, this also applies at least in part to potential new challenges, such as those that have been discussed for some time with regard to self-replicating protein particles of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease and other protein aggregation diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dental setting is regarded as a high-risk environment for aerosol concentrations and transmission of respiratory infectious agents, especially in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although a number of approaches and practices have evolved to reduce the spread of pathogens in the dental setting, the risk of airborne infection remains a concern. Several new extraoral suction (EOS) devices have been marketed recently; further investigation is warranted to determine their clinical effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a chairside EOS device (PAX 2000 Extraoral Dental Suction System) in reducing aerosol contamination from patients receiving ultrasonic scaling by a registered hygienist as a part of initial or supportive periodontal therapy. The number of colony-forming units (CFUs) was measured with agar plates before, during, and after ultrasonic scaling at 3 different locations in the dental operatory (instrument table, patient chest area, and patient foot area). Forty subjects were randomly allocated into 2 test groups (n = 20) in which ultrasonic scaling was performed with or without the use of the EOS device. The CFUs retrieved after incubation were quantified and identified by their bacterial or fungal taxon. The use of the EOS device reduced the number of CFUs during scaling at all 3 locations, but the difference was only statistically significant (P = 0.018; Mann-Whitney U test) at the patient's chest area, where the highest number of CFUs was present. The aerosols consisted of 74 different taxa of human origin. The results suggest that the tested EOS system may reduce aerosol contamination in the clinical dental setting, especially in proximity to the patient's head, where most aerosols are generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Toothbrushes are colonized by microorganisms, implying a risk of infection. That risk can be reduced by decreasing the microbial contamination of the filaments. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antiseptic efficacy of a 0.05% chlorhexidine + 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash on toothbrushes. Methods: A total of twelve toothbrushes used three times/day for 14 days by orally and systemically healthy people were randomly split into two groups, and their heads were immersed for 2 h in PBS (control) or Perio·Aid Active Control (treatment). The microorganisms were recovered, and their number was calculated by culture, quantitative PCR, and viability PCR. Statistical differences were first assessed with a two‐way mixed ANOVA and subsequently with Student's t‐test. Results: The results showed no statistical differences in the total number of cells for the treatment (mean ± CI95% of 7.27 ± 1.09 log10 bacteria/ml) and the control (7.62 ± 0.64 log10 bacteria/ml) groups, but a significantly lower number of live cells in the treatment group (4.58 ± 0.61 log10 viable bacteria/ml and 2.15 ± 1.42 log10 cfu/ml) than in the control group (6.49 ± 1.39 log10 viable bacteria/ml and 5.04 ± 0.93 log10 cfu/ml). Conclusions: Based on our findings, sanitization of toothbrushes with this mouthwash reduces the number of live microorganisms adhered to the filaments. Such decrease of the bacterial load could include bacteria from the oral cavity, from the environment, and from nearby toothbrushes since the quantification was not limited to any bacterial taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Health & Society is the property of Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa Periodicojs and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The possibility of surface transmission in hospitals with high density of COVID- 19 patients is unneglectable. The aim of this study is to determine the extent of surface contamination in coronavirus central hospital of Ilam province in western Iran. In this experimental study, 205 samples were taken from environmental surfaces in hospital. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by Real-time RT-PCR. 121 out of 205 (50.02%) samples were positive. The most contaminated objects were toilet sites (5/5,100% ICU; 5/5, 100% isolation wards). High surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2 proposes the surface as a potential route of transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Experts in Steam Sterilization recognize the importance of configuring the vacuum system to control wet loads, but the impact has not been quantitatively demonstrated. This pilot study aims to analyse the impact of different vacuum configurations on the final volume of condensate in steam sterilized loads. Methods: Several vacuum configurations have been tested: number of vacuum pulses in the conditioning phase, vacuum depth in the conditioning phase, time delay when reaching the vacuum set in the conditioning phase, vacuum speed in the conditioning phase, and vacuum depth in the drying phase. Results: The findings showed a strong relationship with condensate formation, confirmed by Pearson Correlation Coefficients: number of pulses (-0.962), vacuum depth (0.89), time delay when reaching the vacuum set in the conditioning phase (-0.949), vacuum speed (0.969) and vacuum depth in the drying phase (0.989). The best-case scenario was characterized by 4 vacuum pulses, 50mbar vacuum depth in conditioning, 180 seconds of vacuum delay before steam injection, 283seconds (3mbar/sec) vacuum speed and 50mbar of vacuum depth in drying; resulting in an average volume of 8.7mL. All the vacuum measurements are absolute terms (0mbar means the theoretical complete absence of air). Conclusion: The configuration of the vacuum system can potentially impact the control of wet loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, healthcare workers (HCW) have relied on reusable personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and face shields (FSs). The effectiveness of decontamination procedures outside experimental settings is unclear. We examined the prevalence of surface contamination on reusable PPE used by HCWs at a hospital incorporating daily centralized decontamination and post-use wiping by sampling for common pathogens. Method: Samples were collected from HCWs' CleanSpace Halo respirator face masks (FMs) and FSs at the start of shift, immediately after use, and after cleaning with disinfecting wipes. Samples were analyzed for pathogens using the Applied Biosystems™ TaqPath™ COVID-19 Combo Kit and ThermoFisher TaqMan Array Card. Patient charts were reviewed for clinical correlation. Findings: Of the 89 samples, 51 from FMs and 38 from FSs, none tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, despite 58 being obtained from PPE used in the care of patients with COVID-19, many with recent aerosol-generating procedures. Four samples tested positive (4.5%) for Staphylococcus aureus, two each from FMs and FSs. FMs that tested positive were not worn concurrently with FSs that tested positive. The FM and FS samples testing positive were worn in the care of patients without diagnosed S. aureus infection. No FMs tested positive following wipe-based disinfection, but both positive FS samples were found after disinfection wiping. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Contamination of reusable PPE appears uncommon, especially with SARS-CoV-2, when regular decontamination programs are in place. The rare presence of S. aureus highlights the importance of doffing procedures and hand hygiene by HCW to prevent surface contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jenny Nixon business reviews the important subject of surface decontamination. Aims & Objectives: Readers will learn how infection spreads via surfaces in the dental environment. Readers will learn about and understand the potential infection control risks in dental practices. Readers will learn about the best practices and strategies to control and mitigate infection risks with effective surface decontamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mark Beckwith gives a step-by-step guide for an effective handpiece decontamination protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rebecca Waters considers the vital importance of hand hygiene in dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Margaret Black discusses avoiding post-surgical infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]