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Healthcare Associated Infections: An Avoidable Risk

11.12.2018

HAIs (Healthcare Associated Infections) are diseases that affect patients inside hospitals and are not present or incubating at the time of admission. In addition to patients, hospital employees are frequently infected with HAIs after discharge. No one should get sick while seeking care! Yet, globally, hundreds of millions of people are affected annually by healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), many of which are completely avoidable, and antibiotic-resistant organisms cause a large proportion. No country or health system, even the most developed or sophisticated, can claim to be free of HAIs. One out of every 25 admissions contracts HAI. Some of the consequences are:

Increasing mortality and increasing costs
30% of ICU patients are affected by at least one episode of healthcare-associated infection.
Newborns are also at higher risk, especially in low-income areas. Among hospital-born babies in developing countries, HAIs are responsible for 4% to 56% of all causes of death in the neonatal period.

Prevention, prevention, prevention. No solution will, by itself, solve the problem. However, protocols and best practices have been established by the CDC, the World Health Organization, and many others. In every hospital and clinic, sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning are the three pillars of prevention. Effective infection prevention and control reduce healthcare-associated infections by at least 30%. Although significant progress has been made in preventing some types of HAIs, much more work is needed. UltraViolet Technology is an excellent opportunity to exploit UV–C lights to penetrate inside bacteria, spores, fungi, molds, mites, and viruses. UV–C high energy is absorbed at RNA and DNA levels, damaging nucleic acids and inhibiting cellular growth & proliferation. UV–C‘s action is effective within seconds of irradiation. Any surface, water, or air can be disinfected at 99,9% using UV-C. UVGI is a science-proven technology. UVGI technology is a physical disinfection method with a significant cost/benefits ratio; it’s ecological, and, unlike chemicals, it eliminates every microorganism, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Research is still ongoing, but there is much evidence on the efficacy of UVGI and the proper way to use it, though its application has yet to fully mature. How could we apply UV technology to prevent HAIs in medical environments? What is one of the most contaminated surfaces inside any hospital? Hands. For this reason, there are so many campaigns to educate people to wash their hands…clean hands can save lives! So, what is comparable to hands? What is the most commonly used tool in any hospital? Stethoscope contamination The stethoscope is the most widely used instrument in any medical environment. It is used in rich countries, developing countries, private clinics, and field hospitals. It is used by doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. Stethoscopes carry several different pathogens, and they are usually never clean. Doctors are primarily focused on diagnosing and treating patients. There is often a rush between appointments. Standard cleaning includes the use of disposable chemicals and the creation of special wastes. How could we apply UV technology to STETHOSCOPES? The most innovative source of ultraviolet rays is UV-C LEDs. These microscopic UV light sources can achieve the same results as standard UV lamps while offering extreme portability, power, and applicability features. Since their recent implementation, it has been possible to design cutting-edge products for the sanitation of water and surfaces that could not even be imagined until a few years ago. STET CLEAN is a “Wearable Disinfection” Portable Version: designed to follow your stethoscope everywhere you travel. Its features include the following:

Double control system – optical sensor and mechanical – for use in operational safety conditions
Microprocessor for irradiation and security controls
Special polycarbonate body
Lightweight (100 grams) and pocket-sized (limited footprint), like a typical smartphone
Special shiny polycarbonate body
Compatible with every stethoscope type and dimension (pediatric, neonatal, cardiological…)

It fits the most common stethoscope size (around 46 / 47 cm diameter, i.e., Littman Classic II). STET CUBE is “Disinfection on your desk” Desk Version: designed for “sharing.” It fits in a hospital cart, desk, etc. With optional accessories, you can easily mount it on a wall. Double control system – infrared sensor and mechanical switch as you close the cover. Microprocessor for irradiation and security controls