Protein residue hygiene verification can provide several benefits to a dental practice in terms of having a reliable and recordable set of data for audits, as well as knowledge of high levels of hygiene. Here are some ways a dental practice can benefit from protein residue hygiene verification and at the same time achieve the HTM 01-05 requirements:

Quality assurance

Protein residue hygiene verification allows dental practices to ensure that proper cleaning and disinfection protocols are being followed. By measuring protein residue levels on surfaces, instruments, and equipment, the practice can verify that cleanliness standards are met consistently. This helps maintain a high level of quality assurance and patient safety.

Infection control - Protein Residue

Dental practices are required to maintain strict infection control standards. Protein residue hygiene verification can help identify areas or equipment that may harbour potentially harmful microorganisms. By monitoring protein residue levels, the practice can pinpoint areas that need additional attention, allowing for targeted cleaning and disinfection efforts to minimise the risk of cross-contamination and infection transmission.

Compliance with regulations

Dental practices need to comply with various health and safety regulations. Protein residue hygiene verification provides objective data that can be used to demonstrate compliance during inspections or audits. It shows that the practice is actively monitoring cleanliness and taking necessary measures to maintain a hygienic environment.

Staff training and accountability

Protein residue hygiene verification can serve as a valuable tool for staff training and accountability. By regularly measuring Protein residue levels, the practice can identify areas where additional training or reinforcement of cleaning protocols may be necessary. It helps create a culture of accountability, ensuring that all staff members understand and adhere to the established hygiene protocols.

Patient perception and trust

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is crucial for patient satisfaction and trust. Protein residue hygiene verification demonstrates the dental practice's commitment to cleanliness and infection control. Communicating the use of protein residue hygiene verification to patients can enhance their confidence in the practice's dedication to their well-being.

Continuous improvement

Regular protein residue hygiene verification allows dental practices to track trends and identify areas for improvement over time. By analysing protein residue data, the practice can implement targeted interventions and measure their effectiveness. This iterative process helps in continually optimising cleaning and disinfection protocols and maintaining a high standard of hygiene. Overall, protein residue hygiene verification provides dental practices with an objective and measurable approach to monitor and maintain cleanliness and infection control. It contributes to enhanced patient safety, regulatory compliance (HTM 01-05), and continuous improvement in hygiene practices.

Further Reading

HTM 01-05 Decontamination in Primary Care Dental Practices Dental Nursing website - Cleaning Guidelines The Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice on the Prevention and Control of Infections and related guidance

Protein Residue Tests

How do Hygiena's MediCheck High Sensitivity Surface Protein Residue swabs help?   The MediCheck is a protein residue test that quickly verifies the cleanliness of washer-disinfectors (including endoscope washer-disinfectors), dental tools, and surgical equipment in support of infection prevention and control. Benefits: All-in-one device Results in 15-30 minutes depending on incubation temperature Easy-to-interpret colour change Satisfies UK HTM 01-06 and HTM 01-05 testing requirements instantly, NOTE: Always revalidate equipment to any new testing criteria. 100 swabs per box This swab detects any protein residues left on a surface after cleaning. To use the MediCheck swab, simply swab the area and snap the device to activate it. Once you release the reagent, it changes colour which provides a qualitative and semi-quantitative result of the protein levels on the surface. If your results show green, that means clean. However, if it turns purple then it means you need to re-clean because protein has been found. The more protein present, the quicker the colour changes to purple and the darker the colour. This MediCheck swab quickly validates surface hygiene. This allows you to take immediate corrective action when necessary.

Gem Scientific can help

At Gem Scientific we sell a range of hygiene verification systems and products from different manufacturers, which are suitable for many applications, click here to view our portfolio. Our portfolio includes the Hygiena MediCheck. Feel free to contact us to discuss your needs in more depth and we will be happy to advise. Contact our team on 01924 444577, visit our website or Email Us.