A method for measuring the cleaning effect of flushing disinfectors

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Infection Control

Background:

• Disinfection effectiveness in flushing units is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
• Current methods often rely on high temperatures, increasing energy consumption.
• Estimating the mechanical cleaning effect separately from thermal disinfection is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for assessing the mechanical cleaning efficacy of flushing disinfectors.
• To determine the impact of flushing time and temperature on microbial elimination.
• To identify potential for optimizing disinfection cycles and reducing energy costs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Bacillus stearothermophilus spores in feces as heat-resistant indicators.
• Employed a simple bacteriological technique to measure microbial elimination factor (EF).
• Varied flushing water temperature (below 50°C and 85°C) and duration (130s and 65s).

Main Results:

• Flushing with water below 50°C for 130s achieved an EF of 10(4)-10(6) on bedpans.
• Reduced flushing time to 65s at the same temperature yielded a weaker effect.
• Increasing temperature to 85°C for the latter half of the 65s flush resulted in a stronger effect.

Conclusions:

• Mechanical cleaning plays a significant role in the disinfection process.
• Disinfection phases using hot water (85°C) could potentially be shortened.
• Optimized flushing cycles may lead to substantial reductions in energy costs for flushing units.