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

Contaminants Under Foot: A Closer Look at Patient Room Floors

So-called dust bunnies on hospital room floors contain dust particles that turn out to be the major source of the bacteria humans breathe.


Power Outages Largely Driven by Extreme Weather Events

Almost half of power outages in the United States were caused by extreme weather events.


Nemours Children's Health Opens New Moseley Foundation Institute Hospital


Code Compliance Isn't Enough for Healthcare Resilience

Intensifying climate risks are pushing hospitals to think beyond code requirements and toward long-term resilience.


Ribbon Cutting Marks First Phase Completion for New Montefiore Einstein Facility

The second phase is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027.


 
 


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.