Some hospital cleaning methods can't kill C. diff

Spores grow on gowns, other surfaces


A recent study has shown that Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) remained on surfaces — surgical gowns — even after cleaning, according to an article on the MedPage website.

After recommended treatment with disinfectant, C. difficile spores were found on hospital surgical gowns, as well as on stainless steel and vinyl flooring, researchers said.

The spores of the bacteria were able to grow after decontamination. This shows that spores are becoming resistant, according to the study.

"We've known for a long time that C. difficile spores persist in healthcare environments for weeks or months, presumably despite ongoing cleaning activities, [but] studies to test the effect of sporicidal agents on C. difficile incidence have been somewhat conflicting, with benefits mostly being demonstrated in outbreak rather than non-outbreak settings," the authors said.

Read the article.

July 22, 2019


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

From Downtime to Data: Rethinking Restroom Reliability in Healthcare

Manufacturers discuss the operational issues plaguing healthcare restrooms and how to shift maintenance from reactive to resilient.


LeChase Building Four-Story Addition to UHS Delaware Valley Hospital

It will consolidate services into a state-of-the-art Medical Neighborhood.


AdventHealth Sebring Breaks Ground on Expansion Project

Construction is scheduled to begin in March and is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2027.


Regulations Take the Lead in Healthcare Restroom Design

Infection-control guidance and water management standards drive earlier planning, smarter fixtures and more resilient restroom environments.


AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital Opens Expanded Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

Construction began in July 2025 and included 12 new inpatient rehabilitation beds, bringing the unit’s total to 29.


 
 


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.