Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major concern for patients and healthcare providers alike. HAIs are infections that occur during a hospital stay and can range from minor skin infections to life-threatening conditions. They can be caused by various factors such as contaminated equipment, surfaces, and hands of healthcare workers. To combat this problem, healthcare facilities must implement rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols. Along with these rigorous cleaning protocols is the importance of the efficacy of the disinfectant and the safety of patients. The ideal product for this is a highly effective disinfectant that kills all microorganisms and that is natural.
This is already available for use and is making a significant impact in the fight against HAIs. It is hypochlorous acid (HOCL®), a powerful yet safe disinfectant that has been proven to reduce the spread of HAIs.
HOCL® is a naturally occurring molecule produced by white blood cells in the human body to fight off infections. This molecule has the unique ability to kill a wide range of pathogens while being gentle on human tissue. HOCL® Health is a biotechnology company that has harnessed this natural power and developed a solution that effectively disinfects surfaces and equipment in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
One of the major advantages of using HOCL® as a disinfectant is its ability to penetrate and eliminate biofilm, a thin layer of bacteria that forms on surfaces and can be extremely resistant to traditional disinfectants. This makes it a crucial tool in the fight against HAIs, as traditional disinfectants may only be able to kill surface-level bacteria, leaving behind harmful microorganisms in the biofilm.
It’s also highly effective at reducing the spread of HAIs through its ability to kill a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This is particularly important in healthcare facilities where patients with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of contracting infections. By using HOCL® to disinfect surfaces and equipment, healthcare facilities can help reduce the spread of infections, keeping patients and healthcare workers safe.
In addition to its effectiveness, HOCL® is also safer for both patients and healthcare workers compared to other chemical disinfectants. It has been extensively tested and is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-corrosive. This makes it a great option for use in healthcare facilities where patient and staff safety is a top priority.
Want to know some more? Here’s a step-by-step guide as to how you can create a cleaner hospital with hypochlorous acid.
- First its Preparation: Obtain the necessary supplies, including a supply of hypochlorous acid solution and appropriate application tools, such as spray bottles or electrostatic sprayers. Read the manufacturer's instructions for use and follow any necessary safety precautions.
- Secondly, you need to prepare the surface: Clean all surfaces to be disinfected by removing dirt and debris. This will ensure that the HOCL® solution has maximum contact with the surface, allowing it to effectively kill pathogens.
- Then it’s the Application: Apply the HOCL® solution to the surfaces using the recommended method. Allow the solution to remain on the surface for the recommended amount of time.
- Wiping: Wipe the surfaces thoroughly with a clean microfibre cloth to remove any residual solution. This step is important to ensure that no residue is left behind that could potentially harm patients or staff.
- This process then needs to be repeated: Repeat the process on a regular basis to maintain a clean and disinfected environment. This may involve daily or weekly disinfection, depending on the level of risk in the hospital.
- The next step is to monitor: Regularly monitor the efficacy of the disinfection process, including monitoring for the presence of pathogens and ensuring that all surfaces are being properly cleaned and disinfected.
Conclusion: By following these steps, a cleaning contractor can help create a cleaner and safer hospital environment by preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections. The use of hypochlorous acid as a disinfectant can provide a more effective and safe solution than traditional disinfectants.