Understanding their Critical Role in Infection Control

For hospitals and care homes, HCAIs (healthcare associated infections) present a continuous and complex battle.

Hard-working clinicians on the front line are diligent and vigilant; they understand the importance of clean hands and reducing exposure to contamination. However, infections such as MRSA, C-difficile and coronavirus are persistent. Scrupulous personal hygiene may be the first line of defence, but when it comes to meeting the highest standards of infection prevention, the integration of technology has become essential.

Infection control innovation is crucial when safeguarding vulnerable patients, care home residents and clinicians from infectious diseases. Healthcare technology – including bedpan washer disinfectors and medical pulp macerators – must continuously adapt to keep up with the pace of evolving microbial threats, and one such advancement is the inclusion of antimicrobial surfaces.

What Are Antimicrobial Surfaces?

Antimicrobial surfaces have a coating that prevents the harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi from spreading and multiplying.

In healthcare settings, these surfaces are used on different devices - such as DDC Dolphin's Panamatic bedpan washers and Pulpmatic pulp macerators - to stop the growth and transmission of germs.

Antimicrobial surfaces work by interfering with essential functions in microbial cells, which prevents them from transmitting diseases. DDC Dolphin relies on Biomaster antimicrobial protection, which uses the power of silver ions, known for their effective infection control properties.

The Science of Silver-ion Technology

Silver ions are the active component in Biomaster antimicrobial protection. They interact with bacteria at a cellular level by binding to the cell's DNA, which prevents the bacteria from growing, reproducing, or respiring. This interaction not only kills the bacteria but also inhibits the reproduction of any surviving microbes.

One of the key advantages of silver-ion technology is its broad-spectrum efficacy. It is potent against a wide range of bacteria and is also known to impede the spread of viruses, including Norovirus and Covid19. Silver's mode of action is inorganic and non-leaching, which means it remains effective within the product without diminishing over time or with repeated cleaning.

In the case of DDC Dolphin’s machines, impregnating Biomaster into their outer material means that – unlike other products – the antimicrobial protection won’t wear off.

Enhanced Protection in Updated Sluice Room Machinery

DDC Dolphin's dedication to preventing infections is shown in the latest improvements to our products:

• Panamatic Midi and Optima 2. Now features a protected touch area that is 2.5 times larger than the previous model. Both the lid and front panel are equipped with antimicrobial protection.
• Panamatic Maxi and Optima 3. These models have been updated to include antimicrobial protection on the front panels and decals, enhancing user safety and infection control.

The Importance for Healthcare Professionals

For nurses, clinicians, and infection control specialists, the integration of antimicrobial surfaces translates to an added layer of defence against HCAIs.

Patients aren’t the only ones being kept safe. Clinicians are far from immune from HCAIs, and the reduction of cross-contamination means that they can work in a healthier environment with far less exposure to risk.

With antimicrobial surfaces in use, the likelihood of an infection outbreak is reduced. This means clinicians are less likely to face the intense stress of short-staffing and increased patient mortality, leading to a more positive environment where patients thrive, and staff are retained.

Antimicrobial surfaces are a necessity in the modern healthcare landscape, especially in equipment that comes into frequent contact with biohazardous materials.

As we continue to face challenges posed by emerging pathogens, the role of antimicrobial surfaces has never been more crucial.

The use of Biomaster antimicrobial protection further underlines DDC Dolphin’s leadership in infection prevention technology, offering healthcare facilities around the globe a reliable solution to control and prevent the spread of infection.

Read about the three wats that antimicrobial surfaces support the work of clinicians.

Read more about how DDC Dolphin supports infection control professionals.