Surface cleaning and disinfection is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of infection. Various studies have shown that contaminated surfaces are an established route of transmission for high-risk pathogens, including those with pandemic potential, such as coronaviruses.¹

The Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced why it is so important to practice good hygiene and ensure surfaces, particularly those that are classed as ‘high-risk’, are cleaned and disinfected frequently.

There is emerging evidence that contaminated surfaces play a role in the transmission of the SARS- CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 and that pathogens such as this can survive when aerosolised and remain viable on some surfaces for up to 9 days.²

When you consider that alongside studies which find that on average there are over 93 contact episodes per hour between patients, staff and visitors, the challenge of reducing the risk of cross-infection is amplified.³ Surfaces like bedside rails, workstations and door handles are of particular importance, due to the frequency with which they’re touched.

Whilst not being an easy task, Azo believe in keeping it simple. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimate that up to 30% of Health Care-Associated Infections (HCAIs) could be avoided with good infection control practices and careful hygiene.⁴

Keep It Simple

Education. Education. Education.

Various studies have found that implementing educational training and interventions can dramatically improve both the quality and frequency of surface cleaning and disinfection.^5,6 It is vitally important to take advantage of the resources available and our experienced team are on hand to provide advice and training for you and your teams to help ensure effective surface cleaning and disinfection practices, helping to minimise the risk of cross-infection.

As an established brand within the healthcare sector for over 35 years, Azo™ encompasses a product portfolio which can be tailored for general purpose to specialist cleaning and disinfecting; including medical areas. The Azo™ range is extensively used in hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies, laboratories, dental and GP surgeries to help reduce contamination and the risk of infection.

Browse the Azo range here.

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Aurelia - Transform Nitrile Gloves

References:

1. Otter, J.A. et al (2016) Transmission of SARS and MERS coronaviruses and influenza virus in healthcare settings: the possible role of dry surface contamination. Journal of Hospital Infection. 92 235e250
2. Kampf, G. (2020) Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents. Journal of Hospital Infection. Volume 104, Issue 3, 246-251
3. Cheng, V. et al. (2017) Hand-touch contact assessment of high-touch and mutual-touch surfaces among healthcare workers, patients, and visitors. Journal of Hospital Infection. Volume 90, Issue 3, 220–225
4. WHO (2007) Annual epidemiological report on communicable diseases in Europe. Report on the status of communicable diseases in the EU and EEA/AFTA
5. Reese, S. et al. (2019) Implementation of Cleaning and Evaluation Process for Mobile Patient Equipment Using Adenosine Triphosphate. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. 40(7):798- 800.
6. Zimmerman, P. et al. (2018) Instilling a culture of cleaning: Effectiveness of decontamination practices on non-disposable sphygmomanometer cuffs. Journal of Infection Prevention. 19(6):294- 299.