Using microfiber and steam technology may exclude the use of chemicals, but this novel environmental cleaning approach was found to be clinically advantageous in an operating room setting in a study published in the most recent issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
The study was conducted in August 2013 in an operating suite at Moorabbin Hospital in Victoria, Australia. The implemented technique involved using microfiber cloths dampened with water to clean OR surfaces, such as the operating table, scrub trolley, theater lights and anesthesia machine, between patient admissions, and steam to clean difficult-to-clean areas, like equipment joints, instrument pedals and floors.
Researchers introduced the microfiber and steam method to hospital staff and trained nurses, OR technicians and OR assistants on how to properly clean the surgical suite using the new technology.
Ultimately, the study revealed:
1. The microfiber and steam improved OR cleaning for every patient, regardless of known or perceived risk
2. Clinical staff approved of the new technology, which reduced accident slips and falls and eliminated chemical irritation and burns
3. Reduced water use and cleaning costs, allowing facilities to grow its infection control efforts without adding human resources
The researchers also noted the change in cleaning approach was not associated with a change in deep orthopedic surgical site infection rates for knee and hip joint replacements — the SSI rates remained at their previously low levels.
To access the full study, click here.
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