Cleaning hospital room sinks

Drains can be breeding grounds for pathogens


Hospital sink drains, which can be breeding grounds for antibiotic-resistant pathogens, should be cleaned every three to five days  with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, octanoic acid and peroxyacetic acid foam, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.

A recent study by Medical College of Wisconsin researchers compared the effects of two disinfectants on colony-forming units.  

The study aimed to determine the ideal frequency of sink drain disinfection and to compare the effectiveness of two hydrogen peroxide disinfectants. 

“Based on our results, relative affordability and easiness of application, regular application of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, octanoic acid, and peroxyacetic acid foam (every 3–5 days) should be considered in settings where there is concern that sink drains are acting as reservoirs of resistant pathogens,” the study stated.  

Read the article.



February 27, 2020


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

What 'Light' Daily Cleaning of Patient Rooms Misses

Most environmental services workers still clean as if they were wiping dust off a countertop, not disrupting a living, structured community.


Sprinkler Compliance: Navigating Code Mandates, Renovation Triggers and Patient Safety

As CMS deadlines approach and renovation projects accelerate, healthcare facility managers must understand how NFPA 101, state fire codes and sprinkler design strategies intersect.


MUSC Board of Trustees Approves $1.1B South Carolina Cancer Hospital

Research and education are intentionally embedded in the hospital’s design, with dedicated spaces for scientific collaboration, clinical investigation and training.


Study Outlines Hand Hygiene Guidelines for EVS Staff

Researchers find that current guidelines for hand hygiene don’t include EVS workers and suggest indicators to fill that gap.


McCarthy Completes $65M Sharp Rees-Stealy Kearny Mesa MOB Modernization

The completed tenant improvement includes approximately 100,000 square feet of improved space across two buildings and represents an investment of $65 million.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.