A recently published study in the American Journal of Infection Control, conducted by Xavier University in Cincinnati, found that by using Trinity Guardion Bed Protection System, two long-term acute care hospitals, cut the rate of their hospital-acquired infections in half.
The two hospitals, St. Vincent Seton Specialty Hospital Indianapolis and St. Vincent Seton Specialty Hospital Lafayette, used the bed covers for 14 months, starting in May 2013.
Dr. Edmond Hooker, an associate professor in health services administration at Xavier University, led the research along with Dr. Mark Bochan, an infectious disease physician with Infectious Disease of Indiana.
Hooker’s previous research shows hospital mattresses that are disinfected using current industry-wide practices are still dirty after disinfection. “The hospital mattress is clearly the highest contact point for patients during their hospital stay and hospital linen does not provide a protective barrier for patients,” said Hooker.
The most recent estimates indicate that there are 453,000 Clostridium difficile infections in the U.S. each year, with 29,300 deaths. Estimates suggest that the additional cost of care for these infections, as a result of re-admissions and treatments, may be as high as $3.2 billion.
The current study compared instances of hospital-acquired C. diff by comparing infection rates before and after the two hospitals began using Trinity Guardion’s launderable covers.
“While the facilities had infection rates below the national average prior to initiating use of the laundered covers, both were able to cut these rates in half,” says Hooker. “We controlled for handwashing compliance, patient length of stay, acuity and patient age.”
Source: Trinity Guardion
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.