Hospitals now have access to a range of disposable wipes and a spray that inhibits the growth of 99.9% of bacteria for four weeks after application.
The Micro-Fresh products have been formulated and tested to decrease the spread of nosocomial viruses in the clinical environment.
The products can be used directly on surfaces in the clinical environment or during the manufacturing of equipment to restrict the growth of bacteria such as MRSA, Salmonella, Listeria, E.coli and Legionella. The active ingredient combats microbes in three ways: by disrupting cell metabolism, inhibiting respiration and cell division, and by being effective against even the most resistant of bacterial strains.
While many disinfectants kill bacteria on application, as soon as the product dries bacteria are able to start growing again. Independently tested by Bodycote Laboratories and IMSL, who specialise in testing the microbiology of industrial processes and products, Micro-Fresh is said to be the first product of its kind to offer such long-term protection and is effective after the first application.
“We believe the Micro-Fresh spray and wipes will play an important part in the way that hospitals deal with infection control,” said Glen Beavis, operations manager at Micro-Fresh.
“Closing a single ward caused by a severe outbreak would typically cost more than £20,000 in cleaning costs. It also delays operations – never mind the damage to the reputation of the hospital and the worry that it causes patients. Because Micro-Fresh continues to work on surfaces for weeks we believe it will have a serious impact on nosocomial infection rates.”
The wipes and spray are the first in a range of products for reducing hospital-acquired infections that will be launched later this year.
