Field testing of a novel colour indicator added to chlorine solutions used for decontamination of surfaces in Ebola treatment units

Abstract

Disinfection with chlorine solution was used in West Africa to prevent transmission of Ebola virus disease. This study surveyed 94 healthcare personnel and community leaders in Liberia and Guinea to assess understanding of disinfection and evaluate feedback on the perceived usefulness of Highlight, a new colour indicator designed to improve chlorine disinfection procedures. Using a Likert-type scale questionnaire, respondents agreed or strongly agreed (P<0.0001) that Highlight improved coverage of chlorine solution and feelings of confidence.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy and skin safety of a novel color additive in combination with chlorine disinfectants

“…4 We recently found that workers at Ebola treatment units in Liberia and Guinea reported increased coverage and confidence of disinfection when combining the color additive with their currently used chlorine solutions. 10 Although this color additive is suggested for use only on hard, nonporous surfaces, as is similarly recommended for chlorine disinfectants, it has potential applications in other settings like veterinarian clinics, food sanitation, and forensic restoration.…”

“…They also exhibit lowered surface tension that improves spray surface coverage to >99.9%. 4,10 This novel additive addresses the major shortfalls of environmental cleaning by ensuring compliance with wet-contact time, improving coverage of sprayed surfaces, and providing real-time ability to monitor cleaning techniques. This color additive is considered an adjuvant under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines and does not require registration as a pesticide.…”

Triple Challenge: How Medical Students May Solve 3 Long-Standing Problems Bedeviling Health Systems and Medical Education

“…4 Many of the 46 submitted abstracts detailed projects that had significant, albeit isolated effects, some of which have been the subject of other papers. [5][6][7] In this article, we reviewed the 43 abstracts aligned with the goals of HSS to explore whether there are larger themes medical students working in teams with other medical and health professions students and guided by a faculty mentor are helping to address.…”