Tests of disinfection by heat in a bedpan washing machine

Abstract

SYNOPSIS Tests of effectiveness of disinfection of metal and polypropylene bedpans were made in a washer fitted with a steam generator. Broth cultures of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus faecalis (approximately 4 x 108 organisms) were sealed in lengths of capillary tubing and attached to the surface of the pans. In other tests, pans were contaminated with an artificial soil containing Str. faecalis (0I organisms/ml). In both series of tests, counts of surviving organisms were made at the end of the washing and disinfection cycle. The tests using capillary tubes showed that the Gram-negative bacilli were effectively killed, but not necessarily Gram-positive cocci. However, when incorporated in standard soil, Str. faecalis was killed or removed during the cycle.The results indicate that the disinfection process was effective for metal bedpans, but less so for polypropylene. Possible disadvantages and modification of the machine are suggested.

Prevention and control of multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: recommendations from a Joint Working Party

“…293 Early studies showed that failure to attain 80 C was associated with persistence of E. coli and P. aeruginosa. 294 Transmission of pathogens via contaminated endoscopes is usually due to failure to comply with appropriate reprocessing practice guidelines. 295 Although some cases of transmission have been known, relatively few have been reported in peer-reviewed journals.…”

Evaluation of Two Hot Water Washer Disinfectors for Medical Instruments

“…As indicated by Ayliffe, 7 the method that requires direct contamination of tubing evaluates the effect of both heat and washing. However, the method that utilizes capillary test tubes enables one to quantify a reduction in the number of microorganisms due to the effect of heat only, because the wall of a capillary tube may simulate protection of microorganisms by organic matter.…”

Coated bedpans: their cleaning and disinfection

“…In certain busy wards such as in medical and geriatric units, a high degree of disinfection may not be required; use of bedpan washers in these wards may be acceptable. But in high risk units the highest standard of disinfection is essential (Ayliffe et al 1974). Although the industrially coated bedpans show no advantage in disinfection over the standard bedpans their use in medical and geriatric units might be recommended because of their superior cleanability especially when cleaning may be delayed.…”

“…There appears to be room for improvement in the performance of bedpan washing machines and in the design of bedpans themselves; these points were discussed at a recent seminar held at Guy's Hospital (see editorial under 'Tomorrow's Bedpans' in B.M.J. 1974;Ayliffe, Collins & Deverill, 1974;Mostafa & Chackett, 1976a). Among other suggestions was one made by Miss A. Viant of Bristol Royal Infirmary that the spraying of bedpans with an aerosol PTFE appears to be a simple way to improve cleaning.…”