Experts Issue Reminders on Proper Usage of Wipes to Reduce Cross-Contamination

A heightened awareness of the dangers of cross-contamination in the healthcare environment is prompting environmental services (ES) professionals and infection control practitioners (ICPs) to pay closer attention to the way antibacterial wipes are being used in facilities. A new study coming out of the United Kingdom about the ability of wipes to spread bacteria is garnering attention as well.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers at the Welsh School of Pharmacy at Cardiff University in Wales, revealed that antimicrobial wipes used to clean and disinfect environmental surfaces in hospitals can contribute to the spread of pathogenic microorganisms after their first use. The study examined the ability of antimicrobial wipes to kill and remove bacteria from surfaces and to prevent the spread of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). The researchers found that current protocols utilized by hospital staff have the potential to spread pathogens after only the first use of a wipe.