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Validation of steam cleaning technology in the healthcare environment
UCLH
OspreyDeepClean has developed a Dry Steam Vapour (DSV) cleaning technology for the cleaning and disinfection of medical devices such as patient beds, mattresses, privacy curtains, seat and other commonhand contact surfaces (plastic laminate, stainless steel, vinyl, wood) typically found in healthcare environments.
The technology is based on the application of controlled superheated dry steam vapour by purpose-designed steam vapour delivery tools.
The Study
In close co-operation between TNO, UCLH and OspreyDeepclean design engineers, a study was designed to investigate and validate the safety, suitability and efficacy of the system in the daily and periodic practice within a hospital environment.
| Extract | TNO report V7683 |
|---|---|
| Date | March 20, 2008 |
| Authors | L.B.J. van Boxtel |
| J. Kaselein | |
| M.Rollins (UCLH) | |
| Project Name | Osprey validation steam cleaning |
| Project Number | 031.11251 and |
| 031.12647 |
The study focussed on the efficacy and removal of bio-film and microbiological decontamination of the 'risk' contact surfaces for patients and clinical staff in a hospital environment.
The definition of cleaning and disinfection performance, within the context of the study, is stated as the succesful removal of measured contaminants from the target surfaces using a combination of steam vapour and mechanical cleaning methods.
The following organisms were used during testing. Selection criteria were based on micro-organisms of greatest concern to clinicians, being associated with Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs).
- Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Acinetobacter calcoaceticusbaumannii (ACCB)
- Staphylococcus aureus, NCTC 10788
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa, NCTC 13359
- Bacillus subtilis, NCTC 10400
- Candida albicans, NCTC 90628
- Aspergilius niger, UCLH clinical
- Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE), UCLH clinical isolate
- Enterococcus faecalis, ATCC 29212
- Clostridium difficile spores (010 strain)
- Enterococcus hirae, NCTC 12368
Cleaning and decontamination is achieved through vapour penetration, soil release and physical removal by vacuum extraction and or microfibre absorption. In some instances thermal disinfection and elimation of susceptible micro-organisms was achieved.
Results
| Stainless | Plastic | Ceramic | Plastic | Nylon | Vinyl | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Laminate | Tile | Laminate | Mattress | Cushion | |
| (Brushed) | Head | (Gloss) | Trolley | (Textured) | ||
| S. Aureus | 1.17 | 0.78 | 0.39 | 1.94 | 0.44 | 0.28 |
| E. hirea | 2.44 | 1.67 | 1.17 | 5.28 | 1.11 | 3.72 |
| VRE | 0.83 | 0.28 | 0.61 | 2.17 | 0.94 | 0.56 |
| MRSA | 0.33 | 0.17 | 0.28 | 0.72 | 0.33 | 0.22 |
| ACCB | 0.44 | 0.72 | 0.94 | 7.33 | 7.28 | 0.22 |
| B. Subtillis | 0.06 | 0 | 0.56 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| C. Albicans | 0.83 | 0.78 | 0.06 | 0.67 | 0.28 | 0.44 |
| P. Aeruqinosa | 2.88 | 0.44 | 1.11 | 0.33 | 0.56 | 2.00 |
| A. niger | 0.33 | 0 | 0 | 0.28 | 0 | 0 |
| Average results of six replicates of cleaning test surfaces with the Multi Tool applied to the full range of challenge microorganisms. | ||||||
- The final test results are equal to or better than standard chemical disinfection practices, using detergent and chlorine based compounds.
- The Dry Steam Vapour method of surface cleaning and decontimination demonstrates pass results without the risk to health or environmental damage or impact on microbiological sensitivity or resistance associated with inappropriate antimicrobial and disinfectant use.
- The use of Dry Steam Vapour cleaning technology is environmentally friendly.
- It is concluded that - with correct tool selection and application of the Standard Operating Procedure, DSV cleaning using the OspreyDeepclean healthcare tools stated - no aerosol hazard is expected within a healthcare environment.
- With competency based operator training DSV delivers effective deep cleaning and soil removal without the use of ecologically damaging biocides.
- It is recommended that original equipment manufacturers review the OspreyDeepclean SOPs for cleaning and decontamination and publish specific validated standards for DSV cleaning of their respective equipment where appropriate.
Surfaces tested
The following ten materials' surfaces were involved in the testing.
- Treatment Trolley (stainless steel)
- Bed Headboard (plastic laminated surface, smooth)
- Ceramic Tile (gloss finish)
- Work Top (plastic laminate)
- Mattress (nylon twill with polyurethane finish)
- Chair Seat Cushion (textured vinyl seat cover)
- Flooring (linoleum type floor covering, smooth)
- Curtain (polypropylene, disposbale)
- Curtain (polycotton)
- Steel tubing (chromium coated steel, drip-stand pole, cot side rails)
Test equipment
- Prototype ProVap 7 Vac
- 2,600 watts max 7 bar g
- Boiler pressure temperature nominal 175°C
- Temperature measured at tool connector outlet 131°C
- Three steam volume settings
- Three vacuum settings Steam & Vac Professional Digital
- 3,200 watts max 5.5 bar g
- Boiler pressure temperature nominal 162°C
- Temperature measured at tool connector outlet 133°C
- Three steam volume settings
- Three vacuum settings Temperatures of steam at point of exit of each steam cleaning tool used in the study were measured using a thermocouple probe and a digital thermometer.
Steam tools tested
Five tools were involved in the testing:
- Squeegee tool with vacuum
- Flat surface & mattress tool (multi-tool) with microfibre
- Floor steam mop with microfibre
- Tube tool (specified technique with microfibre)
- Curtain tool with microfibre