Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 7th November 2024 Issue no. 1137
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New study shows that closed pipe systems can reduce hospital bacteria
A groundbreaking study from Sweden's Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) reveals that automated, hermetically sealed pipe systems for hospital waste disposal and handling dirty laundry can significantly reduce the amount of bacteria in hospitals when compared to traditional hospital waste management methods.
The study, conducted by Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems students Simon Britzelli and Kylie Aziz, indicates that transitioning to these advanced systems can not only enhance hygiene but could also, potentially, save the healthcare sector billions of pounds by reducing healthcare-associated infections.
The study compared bacterial contamination at two Swedish Hospitals: Hospital A, which has utilised Envac's automated pipe system for hospital waste disposal since 1972, with Hospital B, which currently uses conventional methods but is in the process of implementing an Envac system. The findings showed up to 49.3% fewer colony-forming units (CFU) at Hospital A, highlighting the system's effectiveness in curbing microbial spread.
"These results emphasise the need to rethink hospital waste management logistics in both new and existing facilities," says Magnus Sjöstrand, Healthcare Expert from Envac. "Our technology not only contributes to more efficient hospital laundry and waste disposal but also to a safer healthcare environment."
This research is particularly crucial as it addresses a gap in existing studies; previous research has focused on bacteria in dirty laundry and waste, but none have examined how the logistics systems themselves impact infection spread. "This study highlights an issue that has been previously overlooked," adds Magnus.
Envac's closed pipe system manages dirty laundry, general waste and infectious hospital waste in separate pipes, drastically reducing physical contact between staff and contaminated materials. This creates a safer environment for both patients and healthcare staff.
For more information or to read the full study, visit:
10th October 2024