Infection Control News: ASCs Demand SSI Prevention

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant challenge in healthcare today and a recent report highlights the growing need for stronger prevention, especially in outpatient surgery centers. Infection Control Today recently explored crucial strategies implemented before, during, and after surgery to minimize these risks. It is believed that understanding these key steps is vital for ensuring patient safety and positive outcomes. 

So in this article, we’ll show you the findings of the report, the key ways that Infection Control Today found will help fight the good fight, and some solutions of our own for new ways to help decrease surgical site infections.

The News

Recently, a news article published by Infection Control Today focused on the subject of SSI prevention. SSI stands for Surgical Site Infection. It refers to an infection that develops at the site of a surgical procedure, typically within 30 days after surgery. These infections can range from mild to severe, requiring hospitalization. 

In their article, Infection Control Today explains the lack of SSI prevention to meet the rising use of ambulatory surgical centers. An Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) is a modern healthcare facility that primarily focuses on providing surgical services to patients who do not require overnight hospitalization. You might also hear them referred to as “day surgery centers.”

Infection Control Today reports that the increasing trend of surgeries being performed in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) highlights the critical importance of preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). While ASCs offer potential cost savings for patients, SSIs can undermine these benefits and lead to significant health complications and financial burdens. Effective SSI prevention demands a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving all members of the healthcare team throughout the entire surgical journey, from the initial preoperative assessment to postoperative care. Key strategies include addressing patient-specific risk factors and ensuring the appropriate use of preoperative antibiotics.

During surgery, strict adherence to sterile techniques for both the patient’s skin preparation and the surgical equipment is paramount, alongside maintaining patient stability. Postoperatively, proper wound care and encouraging early mobilization are essential components of prevention efforts. Ultimately, successful SSI prevention in ASCs relies on a culture of awareness, consistent implementation of evidence-based practices, and a recognition of the valuable contributions of every healthcare professional involved.

Preoperative Strategies

Effective surgical site infection (SSI) prevention begins well before the incision. Focusing on preoperative strategies is crucial to mitigate patient-related risks and reduce the potential for infection. This involves optimizing the patient’s condition, strategically using antimicrobial prophylaxis, and ensuring thorough skin preparation.

Key Preoperative Strategies:

• Patient Optimization: Identify and address modifiable (lifestyle) and nonmodifiable (age, sex) risk factors that can increase SSI susceptibility.
• Antimicrobial Prophylaxis: Administer timely (1-2 hours pre-incision) antibiotics in high-risk procedures to reduce microbial burden at the surgical site.
• Skin Preparation: Thoroughly prepare the surgical site with antiseptic agents to reduce the patient’s normal skin flora.

Interoperative Strategies

Once the patient is in the operating room, intraoperative interventions become paramount in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). These strategies center on meticulous skin decontamination for both the patient and the surgical team, the use of sterile barriers to protect the incision site, and the optimization of the patient’s physiological state to support recovery and minimize infection risk.

Key Intraoperative Strategies:

• Skin Antisepsis: Disinfect the patient’s skin with antiseptic solutions in the procedure room to reduce skin microorganisms. Surgical personnel should perform thorough hand and forearm antisepsis according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Surgical Drapes: Utilize sterile drapes as a physical barrier to protect the patient from their own skin flora and potential contamination from the surgical team and environment.
• Surgical Attire: Employ protective coverings like masks, shoe coverings, gowns, and disposable gloves to minimize the transfer of microorganisms between the environment, surgical staff, and the patient’s wound.
• Patient Homeostasis: Optimize the patient’s bodily functions during surgery by preventing hypothermia through warming methods, ensuring adequate tissue oxygen perfusion, and maintaining strict glycemic control.

Postoperative Strategies

The postoperative period presents a critical window for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). Effective wound care and the encouragement of early mobilization are key interventions during this phase. Proper management of the surgical wound and promoting patient activity can significantly reduce the risk of complications and support optimal healing.

Key Postoperative Strategies:

• Wound Care: Implement appropriate cleansing, skin care, and moisture management for surgical incisions. Regular dressing changes and vigilant monitoring for signs of infection are essential.
• Early Mobilization: Encourage patients to move early in the postoperative period to support blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the wound site and promoting healing. This can also reduce the risk of other complications and speed up recovery.

The SAS Solution

When it comes to key strategies for infection control reinforcement, here at SAS, we’ve got a wealth of products that can help you. Whether it’s going from the operation stage to keeping the air in your practice as sterile as can be, we’ve got you covered. 

Personal Protection Equipment with Halyard

Halyard is one of the biggest and best names in personal protection equipment (PPE). They offer a vast array of glove options with various benefits. As well as shielding masks for your face that provide protection from the hazards you’ll face in your work day.

Halyard’s FLUIDSHIELD N95 Masks

N95 respirators are respiratory devices that sport a very close facial fit and are designed for maximum protection by creating a seal around the nose and mouth. And some also sport a square-shaped respiratory filter on the front for efficient filtration. 

Halyard took that popular idea and improved upon it in their own unique way. Their Fluidshield N95 mask takes a whole new approach to things. Sporting a sort of duck-bill shape to its mask for a splash-proof defense tactic, while ditching the traditional square filter. Instead, the Fluidshield N95 mask is lined with filtration fabric on the inside. Not only that, but there are other notable things about these masks as well:

• Halyard’s Fluidshield N95 masks are 100% FDA approved. And are cleared for use in healthcare as medical devices. 
• Unlike other mass-produced mask products, Halyard’s products are manufactured right here in the United States. Creating the best protection with a home field advantage.
• With a variety of sizes to choose from, and a malleable nose wire, comfort is of the same level as your protection. 
• The inside of the mask is also double the size of other N95 masks, exceeding the 100% standards for breathability in masks.

Level 1 Procedure Masks

Aside from their N95 respirators, Halyard also offers a lower level of general use protection with their Level 1 and Level 3 masks. The Level 1 mask is the standard in low-maintenance areas. With the Halyard protection guaranteed for even the general environment. It has a pale-yellow exterior, and does NOT have the Fluidshield barrier that it’s other variant has. But when mixing comfort and protection, it still does it’s job well. They provide the standard earloop design to maximize comfort and secure it properly to you. And they also meet the ASTM F2100 Level 1 standards.

The Level 1 Procedure Yellow Masks with Halyard’s Fluidshield technology have all the same traits as the standard masks. But they sport added benefits to layer onto the already quality design. For even more comfort and breathability options, these Fluishield variants sport benefits like:

• Meets ASTM F2100-11 Level 1 standards 
• Inner layer featuring SO SOFT* bi-component fabric technology
• Breathable and designed to keep you comfortable 
• Ear loops

So if you want the Level 1 Procedure Yellow FLUIDSHIELD Masks, they’re available here on our site.

Level 3 Procedure Masks

These are Halyard’s Level 3 procedure masks. The difference between these and the level 1 masks are obviously the increaed protection. But unlike the level 1 masks, the difference in the level 3 masks is the inner lining. There are two versions of the level 3. There’s the Level 3 Fog-Free Fluidshield Orange Procedure Masks that can be available with Halyard’s patented SO SOFT lining, and there are the others which come with it standard right out of the factory. Both share the same great benefits such as:

• Meets ASTM F2100-11 Level 3 standards
• Pleat style with ear loops 
• Inner layer featuring SO SOFT* bi-component fabric technology
• Constructed with a patented combination of materials to resist fluid penetration upon impact
• Breathable film

So if you want the Level 3 Fog-Free Fluidshield Orange Procedure Masks, you can find them on our website here.

Halyard Purple Nitrile Gloves

If it’s gloves you want, they’ve got them in spades. Halyard’s tried and true Purple Nitrile Gloves offer a general option able to tackle a wide variety of challenges. With the power of nitrile, you’re already getting the best defense possible. In a form-fitting glove that fits to you through body heat for a secure, yet comfortable feel. Add an AQL of 1.0 to that, and these gloves are practically guaranteed to solve all of your problems. And all it takes is one pull from their SmartPull packaging to ensure you get the right amount of gloves every time. No worries about wasting the gloves or your money.

Some of the other great benefits of this glove are:

1. Halyard’s Purple Nitrile Gloves  are waterproof. They’re recommended for damp work environments, and you can even wear them under your regular work gloves to prevent permeation.
2. Nitrile is 3-4 times more puncture-resistant than latex
3. They’ve been tested against 29 chemotherapy drugs per the ASTM D6978-05.
4. Nitrile has also been proven as one of the longest lasting materials for shelf life. Under the right and proper conditions, your nitrile gloves can have a shelf life of possibly 5-10 years.
5. They have an AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) of 1.0 for critical defects. Meets or exceeds ASTM D6319 – Standard Specification for Nitrile Examination Glove for Medical Applications
6. Meets or exceeds biocompatible 10993 studies for systemic toxicity, irritation and sensitization endpoints
7. Passes Viral Penetration Testing – ASTM F1671 – 07 Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens Using Phi-X174 Bacteriophage Penetration as a Test System

You can find Halyard’s Purple Nitrile Exam Gloves on our site here.

Halyard Sterile Purple Nitrile Gloves

If it’s a sterile glove you’re looking for, the Sterile Purple Nitrile Gloves are exactly what you need. When considering the cost of medical equipment, it’s tempting to seek the lowest price. However, while cheaper alternatives like latex or vinyl gloves might exist, they often fall short in terms of quality and protection, limiting their use in demanding medical scenarios. Halyard’s Purple Nitrile Sterile Exam Gloves offer a compelling combination of value and performance, providing superior protection and versatility at a competitive price point.

1. Versatility: Halyard Purple Nitrile Sterile Gloves are highly versatile, with their nitrile construction providing several key advantages, including being waterproof and recommended for low to medium exposure to chemicals and liquids (even wearable as an underglove to prevent permeation), significantly greater puncture resistance than latex, compatibility with common workplace chemicals, and an extended shelf life of potentially 5-10 years when stored correctly.
2. Quality Assurance: Halyard Purple Nitrile Sterile Gloves meet or exceed stringent industry standards, minimizing the risk of defects, with a low AQL of 1.0 for critical defects (surpassing the ASTM 2.5 AQL requirement), compliance with or exceeding ASTM D6319, meeting or exceeding biocompatibility 10993 studies, and passing Viral Penetration Testing – ASTM F1671 – 07.
3. Sizes: Halyard Purple Nitrile Sterile Gloves are available in a range of sizes (9.5-inch length, small, medium, and large, with bulk case options for each size) to fit the needs of your entire team.
4. Comfort: Halyard Purple Nitrile Sterile Gloves provide a comfortable fit with their form-fitting design that adapts to the wearer’s hand with body heat, acrylonitrile butadiene material that minimizes irritation and eliminates Type-1 allergic reactions, and powder-free design for frictionless and irritation-free donning and doffing.
5. Packaging: Halyard Purple Nitrile Sterile Exam Gloves are packaged for sterility, with gloves packaged in pairs within the box (prioritizing sterility over the SmartPULL feature found in non-sterile Halyard gloves).

You can find Halyard’s Purple Nitrile Sterile Exam Gloves on our site here.

Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves

When considering hand protection, it’s important to choose gloves that offer the right balance of cost and quality. While latex and vinyl gloves are common for general purposes, they often lack the durability and protection required for more demanding medical applications. Halyard’s Black-Fire Nitrile gloves address this need, providing a high-quality, versatile option suitable for a wide range of uses. And with them being one of their special selections, the Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves have a unique feature to call their own.

1. Versatility: Halyard’s Black-Fire Nitrile gloves are remarkably versatile due to their nitrile construction, offering several key benefits, including waterproofing and suitability for low to high exposure to chemicals and liquids (even serving as an underglove), significantly greater puncture resistance than latex, an extended shelf life of 5-10 years with proper storage, and the innovative Quick Check technology which allows for breach detection via a high-visibility orange inner layer that is revealed when the glove is torn or during removal, reducing cross-contamination risks.
2. Quality Assurance: Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves adhere to high quality standards, with an AQL of 1.0 for critical defects (exceeding ASTM’s 2.5 AQL requirement), adherence to or exceeding ASTM D6319, meeting or exceeding biocompatibility 10993 studies, and passing Viral Penetration Testing – ASTM F1671 – 07.
3. Sizes: Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves are available in small (S), medium (M), large (L), and extra-large (XL) sizes, all 9.5 inches in length, with bulk case options available.
4. Comfort: Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves offer a comfortable fit, molding to the hand with body heat, made from acrylonitrile butadiene to prevent irritation and Type-1 allergic reactions, powder-free for easy donning and doffing, and featuring a reversible design with the Quick Check orange layer also usable for high-visibility situations.
5. SmartPULL Packaging: Halyard’s SmartPULL packaging minimizes glove waste with two numbered opening tabs, allowing users to access only the necessary gloves initially and then easily access the remaining gloves as the box empties.

You can find Halyard’s Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves on our site here.

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Air Purification with OSO Pure

With OSO Pure, air purification has never been nearly as simple and effective. Their aim is to help you stop the spread in one of its largest sources, the air.They offer a variety of air purification systems that range from protecting your rooms, your ventilation systems, and even your car.  

For Rooms

For room service, we have the ADP-70 model from OSO Pure. That stands for Air Disinfecting Purifier-70.

The ADP 70 air disinfection utilizes a proven technology commonly used in hospital HVAC systems called Photocatalytic Oxidation ( PCO). These charged ions, referred to as Hydroxyl Radicals (HO), are powerful oxidizers that destroys particles as small as .001 microns. HEPA systems only filter particles down to .300 microns. The ADP 70 continuously emits HO for on contact removal of contaminants.

The ADP-70 is perfect for:

• Operatory areas
• Patient waiting or common areas
• Employee Break rooms
• Implant Processing
• Sterilization center
• Lab Processing
• Denture
• Waiting Rooms

Any unconfined area where you want to control pathogens and odors.

The OSO Pure ADP-70 Air Purifier is available here on our site.

For Buildings

For your buildings, whether it be offices, medical practices, etc, we have the ADP-V line from OSO Pure. That stands for Air Disinfecting Purifier Ventilation.

The ADP-V Series air purifier installs in the practice’s HVAC system effectively oxidizing viruses, bacteria, mold, odors and VOC’s in the air and on surfaces. Unlike air filtration devices, the ADP emits powerful oxidizers that attack pathogens at the point of origin as opposed to waiting for them to be removed via filtration. Our process provides an extra layer of protection 24/7 to you, your staff and your patients.

Some of the ADP-V Series features are:

• Utilizes your existing system, purification is distributed evenly throughout the practice
• Reduces airborne and surface contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, VOCs, mold, and mildew
• Purifies the HVAC ducts and kills mold on the A-Coil and drip pan
• Eliminates odors at the source
• Ideal for most indoor spaces
• Safe for humans and pets
• LED function lights confirm continuous operation
• Low to no maintenance – replace cell every 2 years.

We also have the ADP-V2 and ADP-V3 available.

For Vehicles

When it comes to your vehicle’s air quality, OSO Pure even has you covered there. With their EVPP Mobile Disinfecting Purifier. That stands for Emergency Vehicle Personal Purifier

The EVPP is the perfect Air Purifier for emergency vehicles, your work vehicle, or desktop workspace. Utilizing PCO Technology along with Negative Ionization to purify air and surfaces, up to 99% of Bacteria, Viruses, Mold, Mildew, and other contaminants are rendered harmless. Odors like smoke are also eliminated, creating a cleaner safer work environment.

The OSO Pure EVPP Air Purifier is available here on our site.

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Final Thoughts

Preventing SSIs is key for safe surgery. Careful steps before, during, and after the procedure make a big difference. Awareness and teamwork are crucial. We at SAS offer tools like strong PPE and air purifiers to help. By focusing on these simple steps and using the right products, we can better protect patients.

With Halyard’s patented protection formula, your personal protection equipment can get the upgrades it needs. Whether it’s their vast offerings of gloves to tackle any unique situation, general or hazardous… Or their facial protection int he form of their N95 respirators and general use Level 1 and Level 3 masks. And OSO Pure also helps to take the fight to the air. Using their various air purifiers to keep the air in your workspace clean enough to exceed the standard. Whether it’s in your office, medical practice, or even your car.

If you’d like to read the full article from Infection Control Today, check out their site using the link here. If you have any questions about Halyard, OSO Pure, infection control or anything else, give us a call at 704-966-1650. You can also find our various user programs using the links below.

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As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”

We also offer FREE VIRTUAL TECH SUPPORT to “See and Talk” with a “Real Time Live Technician” for any problems you may be in need of help with.

You can also use our “FREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM”. Take the guesswork and worrying about what unit is due for maintenance and which maintenance cycle it is time for. We will keep track of all your autoclaves and let you know when it’s time for anything.

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