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Updated: Mar 13, 2026

High-throughput Identification of Bacteria Repellent Polymers for Medical Devices
Published on: November 5, 2016
Designing for cleanability: The effects of material, surface roughness, and the presence of blood test soil and
Elizabeth A Gonzalez1, Poulomi Nandy1, Anne D Lucas1
1Laboratory of Microbiology and Infection Control, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD.
Abstract:
Cleaning reusable medical devices removes organic and inorganic soil, which allows for effective disinfection and sterilization. However, it is not always clear what variables to consider when validating cleaning. This study compared the ability of 3 different cleaning agents (ie, water, alcohol, and bleach) to remove bacteria (ie, vegetative and spores) and artificial blood test soil from 2 common device materials: polypropylene and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. There was a complex interaction between bacteria, soil, and surface roughness.
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