Following a US study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control,* showing a 53% drop in rates of C.difficile infection when disposable BP (blood pressure) cuffs were used, Welch Allyn has introduced the EcoCuff – a single patient use, short-term disposable BP cuff. Compared to traditional style cuffs, the EcoCuff is claimed to reduce costs and potentially eradicate erroneous blood pressure readings.
For the busy healthcare professional, theFlexiPort standardisation system is easy to use, with a single point connection that is compatible with virtually all existing upper arm blood pressure devices. A patented slot fitting system helps ensure that each patient is fitted with the correct sized cuff, thus reducing the risk of incorrect blood pressure readings.
In addition, the EcoCuff is made from clean-burning polypropylene and is free from PVC, DEHP and BPA, all potentially harmful chemicals sometimes found in similar products, making disposal more environment-friendly.
Though the incidence of C.difficile in the UK has declined since 2010, there were still 17.25 cases per 100,000 bed days in the first quarter of 2012 (compared with 1.08 per 100,000 bed days for MRSA).
‘While C.difficile remains a significant problem in the UK, this research demonstrates that effective contact precautions can make a major difference,’ said Jan McMeekin, UK manager at Welch Allyn. “With its clinical, environmental and cost benefits, as well as potential to reduce C.difficile infection rates, we are excited about the innovation offered by the EcoCuff which we see as the optimal short-term single patient use cuff for UK hospitals.”
*Alexander et al, American Journal of Infection Control, Vol 37 No 5
