Environmental Hygiene: Biocides and Sporicidal Disinfectants
This Pulse provides a quick summary of some of the ideas and perspectives coming out of the 2013 Spring Conference of the Society of Healthcare Epidemiologists of America (SHEA), particularly debates regarding microbial resistance to biocides, as well as the use of sporicidal disinfectants in outbreak- and non-outbreak settings.
Issue Summary
This Pulse provides a quick summary of some of the ideas and perspectives coming out of the 2013 Spring Conference of the Society of Healthcare Epidemiologists of America (SHEA), particularly debates regarding microbial resistance to biocides, as well as the use of sporicidal disinfectants in outbreak- and non-outbreak settings.
Table of Contents
- Biocide Resistance: Experts debate the potential for widespread microbial resistance to antiseptics and other biocides, and the impact on the healthcare setting.
- Sporicidal Agents: Experts debate the importance of sporicidal agents for environmental disinfection and the control of Clostridium difficile.
Takeaways for Your Business
- Discover insights from leading experts debating controversial disinfection-related issues
Noble Biomaterials is the global leader in bacterial management solutions. Fabrics powered by X-STATIC® antimicrobial technology are flexible, with the natural look and feel of traditional textiles, while offering all the benefits of pure silver. X-STATIC® is a registered antimicrobial agent with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the active ingredient in FDA- and CE-approved products for advanced wound care. In addition to its use in healthcare settings, X-STATIC® is used by Olympic athletes, military forces, NASA astronauts, and many of the world's premier consumer brands.
Newsletter
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
Streamlined IFU Access Boosts Infection Control and Staff Efficiency
June 17th 2025A hospital-wide quality improvement project has transformed how staff access critical manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs), improving infection prevention compliance and saving time through a standardized, user-friendly digital system supported by unit-based training and interdepartmental collaboration.
Spring Into Safety: How Seasonal Deep Cleaning Strengthens Hospital Infection Control
June 13th 2025Rooted in ancient rituals of renewal, spring-cleaning has evolved from cultural tradition to a vital infection prevention strategy in modern hospitals—one that blends seasonal deep cleaning with advanced disinfection to reduce pathogens, improve air quality, and protect patients.
AHE Exchange Summit 2025 Brings EVS and Infection Prevention Experts Together in Columbus, Ohio
June 9th 2025The Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) is set to host its largest event of the year—Exchange Summit 2025—from June 8 to 11 in Columbus, Ohio. With over 600 environmental services (EVS) professionals expected to attend, this year’s conference focuses heavily on infection prevention, interdepartmental collaboration, and education that empowers frontline health care support leaders to improve patient safety and operational efficiency.
