Report Pinpoints Best Disinfection Systems for Health Care Facilities

More health care facilities are using automated decontamination/fumigation systems to supplement their cleaning and disinfection processes. These automated systems are effective and safe enough to use in areas with patients.

As the choices of fumigation systems has increased, so has the confusion about which system is best for specific pathogens. A report in The Journal of Hospital Infection lists advantages and disadvantages for the various systems, offering guidance to facilities considering purchasing or leasing them, according to Infection Control Today.

The report authors determined choosing which type of automatic cleaning device depends on the type of pathogen prevalent in the facility. For example, to kill C. difficile, MRSA, or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, the authors of the report recommend an automated decontamination device. However, outbreaks of C. diff that resistant decontamination may also require systems that release hydrogen peroxide vapor or pulsed-xenon ultraviolet light.

Regardless of the automated cleaning devices used, they will not be effective without completing a thorough manual cleaning to high standards. Also, report authors stressed that infection prevention teams must monitor levels of fumigant or ultraviolet light regularly to confirm their effectiveness and safety.