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TECH Talk: What's the Big Deal?

01.15.2019 • Industry News

What’s the big deal about biofilm?

Biofilm has become a buzzword in the sterile processing community and it is safe to say we all may have some questions about it: What exactly is biofilm? Why should we care? And most importantly, what can we do in sterile processing to stop it?

Let’s dive into these important questions and get some real answers.

1. What exactly is biofilm?

  • Biofilm is a thin layer of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa) in a matrix that adheres to a surface. Cells that attach to the surface are linked together by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which is a fancy term for the sticky slime that biofilm-forming microbes excrete.

2. Why should we care?

  • Medical devices are getting more and more complex, which makes them particularly susceptible to biofilm formation. Biofilm protects microbes and makes them more resistant to disinfection and sterilization. Biofilm is the underlying cause of many infections; such as peptic ulcers, bacterial endocarditis, cystic fibrosis and legionnaire’s disease. In fact, microbial biofilms are responsible for up to 65% of infections treated in the developed world.[1]

3. What can we do in sterile processing to stop biofilm formation?

  • Thorough cleaning and rinsing is the first and most important step in reprocessing reusable medical devices.[2] Along with point-of-use care, decontamination and cleaning are the first line of defense against biofilm formation.

 

Here are some specific steps that you can take to ensure you are beating biofilm in your department:

  • Minimize time between use, point-of-use care, and decontamination/cleaning
  • Use safe transport chemicals to start the cleaning process
  • Ensure reprocessing personnel are properly trained and have access to the current IFUs
  • Use appropriate size/style cleaning brushes for each instrument
  • Adhere to detergent and disinfectant manufacturer recommendations

TECH Talk Tip: This is the perfect opportunity to partner with your colleagues in the OR to emphasize the importance of point-of-use cleaning to prevent biofilm formation.

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