1307 - Splash and Droplet Generation When Cleaning Medical Equipment

Monday, June 26, 2023

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Location: W209; Orange County Convention Center

CE: 1

CNE Credits: 1
IPU Credits: 1
AEU Credits: 1
IPCH Credits: 1
CME Credits: 1

Presenter(s)

Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH (she/her/hers)

President & CEO
Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Bloomington, Minnesota

Disclosure(s): 3M Company: Consultant/Advisory Board (Terminated, December 31, 2021), Grant/Research Support (Terminated, December 31, 2021); Advanced Sterilization Products: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Other Research Support (Ongoing), Research Grant (Ongoing); Ambu: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Grant/Research Support (Ongoing); Boston Scientific Corporation: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Grant/Research Support (Ongoing); Cleanis: Research Grant (Ongoing); Healthmark Industries: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Grant/Research Support (Ongoing), Research Grant (Ongoing); Ofstead & Associates, Inc.: Employment (full or part time) (Ongoing), Ownership Interest (Ongoing); Pentax: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing); Steris/Cantel/Medivators: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Grant/Research Support (Ongoing), Research Grant (Ongoing)

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Co-Presenter(s)

Krystina M. Hopkins, MPH

Research Manager
Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Bloomington, Minnesota

Disclosure(s): 3M Company: Consultant/Advisory Board (Terminated, December 31, 2021), Grant/Research Support (Terminated, December 31, 2021); Advanced Sterilization Products: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Other Research Support (Ongoing), Research Grant (Ongoing); Ambu: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Grant/Research Support (Ongoing); Boston Scientific Corporation: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Grant/Research Support (Ongoing); Cleanis: Research Grant (Ongoing); Healthmark Industries: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Grant/Research Support (Ongoing), Research Grant (Ongoing); Ofstead & Associates, Inc.: Employment (full or part time) (Ongoing); Pentax: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing); Steris/Cantel/Medivators: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Grant/Research Support (Ongoing), Research Grant (Ongoing)

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Moderator(s)

Stephanie Carraway, MPH, CIC, LTC-CIP CER, FAPIC

Director, Infection Prevention
Moffitt Cancer Center
Tampa, Florida

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Co-Moderator(s)

Crystal Heishman, MBA, MSN, RN, ONC, CIC, FAPIC

Director, Infection Prevention & Control; System Vascular Access
UofL Health - Jewish and Heart Hospitals
Louisville, Kentucky

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Session Description: Recent pandemics and outbreaks of emerging pathogens have heightened awareness of risks associated with aerosol-generating procedures and environmental contamination. Substantial attention has been focused on risks for clinicians, nurses, and other patient-facing personnel. To support safety in the environment of care and the health of the workforce, attention should also be given to risks faced by sterile processing technicians and environmental service workers. In this session, an epidemiologist and environmental health scientist will discuss findings from recent real-world studies on splashes and droplets generated during manual cleaning of flexible endoscopes and ultrasound probes in well-designed sterile processing units. They will share videos, photographs, and insights illustrating the extent of environmental and personal protective equipment (PPE) exposure to droplets in the decontamination area. They will highlight the consequences of following manufacturer instructions for use that require device be rinsed for several minutes while being held under running water, which generates substantial splash. Presenters will discuss the implications of the findings for technicians, nursing personnel, and infection preventionists. This session will explore issues related to processing ultrasound probes and other devices in patient care rooms and areas other than sterile processing suites. Additionally, presenters will share evidence related to the handling and disposal of human waste collected in bedpans and commodes in various settings. Attendees will learn strategies for assessing droplet and splash generation and supporting clinical staff and sterile processing personnel in reducing exposure. They will also hear about approaches for implementing the hierarchy of controls with engineering, administrative, and PPE solutions that support infection prevention and occupational safety.

Learning Objectives:

Describe evidence on environmental and personnel exposure to splashes and droplets during manual cleaning.
Discuss challenges associated with adequately processing ultrasound probes.
Explain strategies for implementing engineering, administrative, and PPE solutions to reduce splashes and droplet dispersal.