Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). These microscopic mites burrow into the skin to live, lay eggs, and trigger an allergic reaction, leading to intense itching and a rash.
Biofilm is a common but often overlooked challenge in healthcare settings, where it can increase the risk of infections. Understanding what biofilm is, how to recognize it, and how to remove it effectively is essential for healthcare environmental services staff.
Another question and answer: Q. Does environmental cleaning and disinfection really work in preventing the spread of harmful microorganisms? A. Yes. But how well is works depends on many things, including the nature of the object, the type, number, and location of microorganisms, how well the organisms resist the physical processes or disinfectants, the presence…
Another question and answer: Q. Why is it important to clean the environment? A. Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) are present throughout our environment and can cause infection. The environment can serve as a breeding ground for these organisms. Cleaning and disinfecting housekeeping surfaces and medical equipment, especially those that are frequently touched, is important to…
Another Question and Answer: Q. In the healthcare or residential setting, what does the “environment” or “environmental surface” mean? A. The environment refers to the patient or resident’s surroundings. When we talk about cleaning the environment, typically we are referring to cleaning and disinfecting objects, like housekeeping surfaces (e.g., floors, tabletops) and medical equipment. It…
The goal of any Environmental Services Department within a healthcare facility should be to prevent the spread of infectious agents among patients and healthcare workers by meticulous cleaning and appropriate disinfection of environmental surfaces. To reach this goal, the EVS department will need to have a comprehensive training program, the objective of which should be…
The process of physical cleaning of environmental surfaces using detergent (soap), water, and friction is the critical step required prior to surface disinfection. The combination of the cleaning and disinfection processes is designed to remove and kill vegetative microorganisms on surfaces. Disinfection will not be effective in the presence of dirt, blood, or other bio…
Here is the two step cleaning training video I participated in as a technical consultant. We filmed this video at the new beautiful Mercy Medical Center in Merced California. The purpose of this video is to help Environmental Services staff save lives. We believe it is not enough to simply clean with a disinfectant anymore….
In the great work presented in Options for Evaluating Environmental Cleaning, December 2010 by Alice Guh, MD, MPH and Philip Carling, MD, objective monitoring of environmental surfaces was studied and presented as a necessary component of training. In view of the evidence that transmission of many healthcare acquired pathogens (HAPs) is related to contamination of…
As part of the proposed changes to healthcare, reimbursement for hospital care and post-acute care will be bundled; patient readmission’s will be at a lower rate in some cases; hospital reimbursement and performance will be directly linked; and physician self-referral will be more closely regulated. Out of those four important items, environmental services has a…
What is Clostridium difficile? Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming, gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that produces two exotoxins: toxin A and toxin B. It is a common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). It accounts for 15-25% of all episodes of AAD. Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that may develop due to the prolonged use of antibiotics during…
Here I continue to list cleaning standards. We use these as a guide to understanding our responsibilities in general cleaning. This is not meant to be a complete list, rather a broad overview. Enjoy your reading:
I had a request for basic cleaning principles for a doctor’s office. Here is a list for any healthcare facility, and for your home as well. Scrubbing is the best way to physically remove dirt, debris and microorganisms. Cleaning is required prior to any disinfection process because dirt and debris will decrease the…
Highlighting common scenarios from hand hygiene and glove use to properly cleaning patient rooms, this video will illustrate the type of precautions that housekeeping staff should take to protect themselves and patients from germs and infections that could make them sick.
I hope there is some relief in the activity at your institution now that we have made it through another heavy viral season. Not that there really is a slow season in health care anymore, just a less busy one. So, welcome to the less busy season, when there is time to think and plan….