Fluorescent tagging for environmental surface cleaning surveillance in a veterinary hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the use of fluorescent tagging for environmental surface cleaning surveillance in a small animal veterinary hospital and identify factors associated with tag removal.Materials and MethOds: Over 5.5 weeks, a commercial fluorescent dye (Glo Germ) was used to tag (mark)surfaces in a small animal veterinary teaching hospital. Twenty-four hours after tagging, cleaning was assessed with a black light (UV-A source). Surfaces were recorded as cleaned based on complete removal of fluorescent tagging at assessment. Proportions cleaned were calculated overall and by predictors (i.e. surface location/type, primary nature of surface contact -animal/human, week of study).results: A total of 4984 surfaces were tagged and assessed. Overall cleaning was 50%. Cleaning varied by surface/object (range: 2 to 100%) and hospital location (4 to 78%). Surfaces designated as having primarily animal contact were cleaned more frequently than those with primarily human contact (75%, 42%; P<0.001). Cleaning varied over the study period (range by week: 45 to 54%;); a significant trend was not identified.clinical significance: Key surfaces in the small animal veterinary practice environment are unlikely to be adequately cleaned, posing a concern for animal and human health. Commercial products can be effectively used to asses environmental cleaning with findings used to target clinic-specific barriers to improve cleaning and reduce hospital-associated infections.

Longitudinal environmental Staphylococcus contamination in a new small animal veterinary hospital and utility of cleaning checklists

“…As CPS are easily removed with standard cleaning and disinfection routines, this finding is perhaps not surprising but is nonetheless encouraging (Rutala & Weber, 2019). Previous studies suggest veterinary environmental cleaning is often suboptimal (approximately 50% of surfaces adequately cleaned when indicated) (Langdon et al, 2019, Weese et al, 2012. Our results suggest that including a surface on a hospital checklist increases the likelihood of cleaning/ disinfection, and therefore checklists may help to decrease CPS contamination (and likely other similar pathogens).…”

Efficacy of a quaternary ammonium compound in reducing coagulase‐positive staphylococcal colony counts in veterinary dermatology exam rooms following two cleaning instruction protocols

“…The 10 surfaces assessed included irregular surfaces (computer keyboard, computer mouse, door handle and light fixture handle) and smooth surfaces [counter, top of the exam table, top of the exam table mat, floor tiles (×2) and chair seat], as presented in Figure 2. Selection of exam room surfaces was based on a previous environmental tagging study performed in a veterinary teaching hosptial 13 . Results were categorised as: completely cleaned surface (no tag), partially cleaned (smudged tag) or not cleaned (tag intact).…”

“…The environmental persistence of MRSP necessitates effective cleaning and disinfection to minimise nosocomial infections. Environmental cleaning can be assessed easily in the veterinary healthcare setting by use of environmental tagging 13 . Glo Germ (Glo Germ Company; Moab, UT, USA), a discreet fluorescent dye, can be applied to surfaces of interest to surveil the adequacy of surface cleaning.…”

“…The presence or absence of the product post cleaning is determined via UV blacklight illumination. Two previous studies have utilised fluorescent environmental tagging to assess cleaning adherence in the veterinary teaching hospital context; 13,14 however, no studies have used environmental tagging to assess the efficacy of specific veterinary exam room cleaning protocols.…”

“…Environmental cleaning can be assessed easily in the veterinary healthcare setting by use of environmental tagging. 13 Glo Germ (Glo Germ Company; Moab, UT, USA), a discreet fluorescent dye, can be applied to surfaces of interest to surveil the adequacy of surface cleaning. The presence or absence of the product post cleaning is determined via UV blacklight illumination.…”