World-class infection-prevention specialist DDC Dolphin has launched new technology to stop the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in one of the most contaminated areas in hospitals.

Sink water traps are a breeding ground for lethal MDR bacteria that can infect patients, clinicians and hospital visitors.

Infection risks occur when water used for staff hand washing, patient hygiene, and washing devices becomes contaminated and is then drained through the sinks.

If the water flow is restricted, biofilm-forming bacteria may create stable reservoirs in waste pipes and semi-horizontal drainpipes. Bacteria that form in one water trap or wastepipe can easily spread to other nearby sinks.

Now DDC Dolphin’s clinically tested new UVC Water Trap Disinfector sanitises the water in sink waste pipes – killing bacteria and preventing biofilm formulation.

The UVC Water Trap Disinfector eliminates multi-drug resistant:

• Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO)
• Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)
• bacteria that produce Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL).

Every year up to 50,000 people in Europe and the US die after contracting drug-resistant infections. Globally, the death toll is estimated to be at least 700,000 annually.

DDC Dolphin Marketing and HR Director Zoe Allen said: “Multidrug-resistant microorganisms use wastewater systems as a superhighway – swiftly spreading from one sink to the next.

“Bacteria in the form of biofilm can ascend a drain to reach the sink waste fitting at a rate of 1 mm per hour. Any clean water hitting the drain will then disperse the bacteria up to two metres.

“Our new UVC Water Trap Disinfector tackles the problem at source – killing bacteria, preventing biofilm formulation and keeping wastepipes sanitised.

“This cost-effective technology consumes as little as 12w of energy per hour. It is easy to fit and requires very little maintenance.

“So there’s no excuse for not installing the UVC Water Trap Disinfector – not when lives may be at stake,” she added.

The new UVC Water Trap is the latest ultraviolet technology from DDC Dolphin. The company also supplies UVMATIC® and UVMATIC® Plus air purifiers which use photoplasma, ozone and negative ions to destroy bacteria and viruses.

World-class infection prevention and control specialist DDC Dolphin develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of machines and consumables to hospitals and care homes around the world. 

Its product range includes:

• medical pulp macerators
• bedpan washer disinfectors
• incontinence product macerators
• the Vacumatic waste management system
• UV air purifiers
• stainless steel furniture
• sluice room consumables.

Qualifying capital equipment from DDC Dolphin is eligible for tax breaks. Under the government’s full expensing incentive, companies get a tax cut of up to 25p for every pound they invest in qualifying capital equipment.

DDC Dolphin refurbishes sluice rooms as a single-source supplier, carrying out all the project management and acting as a single point of contact. Its full turnkey service includes a free initial consultation and a free design survey.

For more information, contact DDC Dolphin.