Using photon disinfection technologies for reducing bioburden in hospitals
Mohamed Niroz Mohamed Nazeer1, Teija-Kaisa Aholaakko2
1Staff Nurse, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|September 22, 2023
Summary
Photon disinfection technologies (PDTs) can help prevent healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs), but require thorough cleaning first. Developing global standards is crucial for safe implementation in hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Environmental cleaning and disinfection are fundamental for preventing healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs).
- Photon disinfection technologies (PDTs) offer a novel approach to microbial inactivation in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe photon disinfection technologies (PDTs).
- To evaluate the impact of PDTs on microbial inactivation and HAI prevention.
- To provide recommendations for implementing PDTs in hospitals.
Main Methods:
- An integrated literature review was conducted.
- The quality of 23 articles was assessed.
- Findings were analyzed and reported using the PICOT model.
Main Results:
- The microbiological impact of PDTs varied based on the microorganism, setting, and specific devices used.
- Effective environmental cleaning prior to disinfection was identified as a critical factor for PDT efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Implementing PDTs in hospitals necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, considering microbiological, environmental, occupational, technical, and human safety aspects.
- Establishing evidence-based global standards is essential for the safe and effective implementation of PDTs.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
47
Radiation and filtration are essential tools for microbial control, targeting microorganisms through distinct mechanisms. Radiation eliminates microbes by damaging their DNA, either killing them or inhibiting their growth. Based on wavelength, radiation is classified into two types: nonionizing and ionizing radiation.Non-ionizing radiation, such as UV radiation (200–400 nm), is absorbed by DNA, causing defects that effectively disinfect surfaces, air, and water, including safety cabinets.
47
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
7.0K
Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are the methods that help to break the infection chain and prevent disease.
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
7.0K
01:23Hand hygiene
3.3K
Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...
3.3K
01:29Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth
59
Microbial growth control refers to various methods employed to inhibit, reduce, or eliminate microorganisms to ensure safety and hygiene across different settings. These methods are categorized based on the target environment and the level of microbial control required.Biocides are versatile agents designed to control microorganisms by either inhibiting their growth or outright killing them. These agents work through various physical, chemical, mechanical, or biological mechanisms. The...
59
01:29Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
20.1K
As used in a healthcare facility, sterilization destroys all microorganisms through physical or chemical methods. The physical method includes steam, dry heat, boiling water, and radiation.
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
20.1K
01:30Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
6.5K
In healthcare, the chemical method of sterilization uses chemical sterilants to treat surgical instruments and medical supplies to help prevent the transmission of infectious pathogens to patients. Due to heat sensitivity, most medical supplies and equipment should not be exposed to high temperatures. These parts include rubber, plastic, glass, and other similar elements.
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
6.5K