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COVER STORY: Re-evaluating cleaning chemistries

Andreia Messias, product manager, consumables, at STERIS, considers the question: should rising costs drive facilities to re-evaluate their cleaning chemistries?

The cost of reprocessing instruments is a topic that is not discussed enough. Everyone is aware of it and it should be discussed often in the field of infection prevention technologies. And the cost of ICC (instrument cleaning chemistries) is one of the main points of interest. With the rising cost of these products, will healthcare facilities re-evaluate their investment in ICC? It needs to be mentioned upfront that low-priced chemistries have short and long-term hidden costs. It is therefore very important to make an informed financial and long-term performance judgment when selecting a product.

Published studies regarding cost of ICC used in primary care AWD (automated washer-disinfectors) suggested that using different class priced ICC had equivalence in cleaning efficacy.1 However, it should be highlighted that an ICC should have additional characteristics and benefits than just cleaning. Prolystica™ High Performance (HP) Cleaning Chemistries demonstrate such benefits including instrument compatibility and protection and reduction of unnecessary wear and tear in AWD. It is important that the complex chemical composition of the ICC is made with good quality ingredients capable of putting forward other benefits in addition to cleaning ability. Formulating a good composition requires detailed knowledge, not only on chemical ingredients but also on variables seen at the facility such as soil types, water quality, instrument materials, and resources. After adding appropriate ingredients and ensuring they are of good quality, ICC should be available at a reasonable cost.

But what is a reasonable cost?

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Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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