Antimicrobial textiles are becoming another weapon in the arsenal against HAIs, with the recognition that soft surfaces in the healthcare environment can become contaminated and possibly spread disease-causing pathogens. Infection Control Today invited clinical representatives from two leading manufacturers of antimicrobial textiles to provide information that can help infection preventionists better evaluate products constructed from these fabrics. Our experts are Peggy Prinz Leubbert, MS, MT (ASCP), CIC, CHSP, founder and owner of Healthcare Interventions, Inc. in Omaha, Neb.; and Thomas M. Claffey, MD, director of the Infectious Diseases Division at Maine Medical Center and an epidemiologist at Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine.
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: The Urgent Need for Well-Fitted PPE in Health Care
April 5th 2024Personal protective equipment (PPE) stands as the first line of defense against infectious diseases in health care. Yet, the issue of ill-fitting PPE, especially for women, remains a significant challenge.
The Role of Environmental Hygiene in Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance
March 19th 2024Uncover the pivotal role of environmental hygiene in thwarting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for infection prevention teams. Learn how rigorous cleaning protocols and advanced technologies enhance patient safety and combat AMR.
COVID-19 Harmonization: Balancing Risks and Benefits of CDC's Latest Move
March 11th 2024The CDC's recent decision to align recommendations for respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19, has garnered support from the public and infectious disease societies. However, as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lends its backing to the CDC's harmonization efforts, concerns persist regarding the implications of this shift, especially considering the Omicron variant's unique characteristics and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19's multi-system impacts.