Coated bedpans: their cleaning and disinfection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Infection Control
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Stainless steel bedpans are critical in healthcare settings.
• Effective cleaning and disinfection are essential to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
• Evaluating novel coatings for improved hygiene is an ongoing need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the cleanability and disinfectability of stainless steel bedpans with silicone grease or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings.
• To compare manual aerosol spray application versus industrial coating processes.
• To determine the impact of coatings on the removal of common soils and microbial contaminants.

Main Methods:

• Stainless steel bedpans were coated manually (aerosol spray) or industrially with silicone grease or PTFE.
• Coatings were challenged with British Standard Soil, technetium-99m-labeled human serum albumin (HSA-Tc), and Streptococcus faecalis.
• Cleaning and disinfection efficacy were evaluated using automatic washing and steam disinfection machines.

Main Results:

• Manual aerosol spraying of coatings impaired the cleaning process.
• Bedpans coated with PTFE using an industrial process showed superior cleaning and disinfection compared to uncoated bedpans.
• PTFE coatings generally offered better performance than silicone grease coatings.

Conclusions:

• Industrial PTFE coating is a promising method for enhancing the hygiene of stainless steel bedpans.
• Manual aerosol spray application of coatings is not recommended for optimal cleaning performance.
• Further research into advanced surface modifications for medical equipment is warranted.