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HygieneSiphon stops the rise of aerosols from drain outlets
Numerous studies prove that outbreaks of nosocomial infections are often associated with moist reservoirs, such as odour traps (siphons) under washbasins, especially in intensive care units.
In this article, we explain the role that siphons and drainage pipes play in this and how infection outbreaks caused by pathogens potentially present there can be prevented.
Why are there germs in siphons and drainage pipes in hospitals?
In everyday hospital life, it is usually not mentioned that drainage pipes are also a source of germs – and can thus become a danger to the entire hospital. These sources of germs develop in the siphons or odor traps, e.g., under clinical washbasins.
A scientific study by the University Hospital Bonn also states that significant measures are recommended in the previously neglected wastewater area in order to specifically reduce or completely stop the spread of germs from the siphon in hospitals.
Siphons as a source of nosocomial infections
Siphons or odour traps have the function of preventing air or odors from the sewage system from entering the room air. However, temperatures between 20 °C and 40 °C (as well as the supply of nutrients and oxygen) offer ideal conditions for the formation of a biofilm on the inner walls of a normal siphon – which can lead to additional multiplication of bacteria in the wastewater area.
The waterborne germs from drainage systems can reach the washing area through backflowing aerosols from the drain. This can happen, for example, when washing hands or drawing water. Due to the water inflow, aerosols with waterborne germs can rise from the siphons and be transported within a radius of up to 1.5 metres and transferred into the room air, causing it to become contaminated.
Through the rising aerosols, a measurable – and thus potentially infectious – transmission of germs from the sealing liquid to the hands of the patient or the nursing staff can take place.
The risk of a nosocomial infection therefore applies to all wards; special attention should be paid to sensitive wards such as neonatology, intensive care, oncology and wards with high antibiotic use.
Preventive measures in clinical sanitary areas hinder the formation of infectious aerosols and the transmission of pathogens.
Necessity of water hygiene in wastewater systems and siphons
Sealing water contains an average of 105 to 1010 CFU/ml bacteria, including 103 to 106 KBE/ml CFU/ml gram-negative rods.
The most important infectious agents detected in wastewater systems include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp. or even Enterobacterales such as E. coli.
This is particularly critical when these are antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Since conventional odor traps are only intended to keep odors from the sewage system out, they cannot meet the necessary high hygiene requirements in hospitals – as proven by numerous scientific studies.
Recommendations for prevention
International guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasize that water and sanitation systems in healthcare facilities are critical reservoirs for multidrug-resistant organisms. Within the WHO guideline “Water Safety in buildings”, the control of aerosols and the prevention of retrograde contamination from drains are identified as essential components of clinical infection control.
In line with these international standards and the British Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 04-01, it is strongly recommended that for areas where immunocompromised patients receive care, the hygienic integrity of water drains must be secured. This includes considering the use of specialized siphons to mitigate the risk of infectious aerosol formation, particularly in high-risk environments where standard technical measures may not sufficiently control the spread of pathogens.
Prevent specifically with our HygieneSiphon
The Aqua free HygieneSiphon fundamentally prevents the rise of contaminated aerosols from the drain into the fresh water area due to its special shape.
Study proves: The Aqua free HygieneSiphon prevents the rise of contaminated aerosols from the drain
The scientific study "Application study on aerosol-reducing hygiene siphons to control a 4MRGN" from Germany by medical professional Dr med. S. Parthé with the Aqua free HygieneSiphon showed that this is a good and cost-effective measure to prevent the backflow of pathogens into the washing area.
The study took place on a neurological early rehabilitation ward and brought a multi-year outbreak (with 4-MRGN Pseudomonas aeruginosa) under control.
Background of the study: In a neurological early rehabilitation department, there were problems with the bacterium 4MRGN Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which accumulated in the siphons of the washbasins. Replacing washbasins and siphons alone was not sufficient. With the special HygieneSiphon from Aqua free GmbH, we were able to solve the problem.
Methods and results: After all washbasins were closed due to recurring bacterial colonization, we replaced the old drain pipes with new S-shaped siphons and installed the HygieneSiphons in November 2015. These prevent the spread of bacteria in the air. After comprehensive microbiological tests, we found that the HygieneSiphons prevent the return of bacteria into the washbasins, even though they were contaminated from the outside themselves after three months.
Conclusion: The use of the HygieneSiphon successfully prevented the return of dangerous bacteria into the washbasins and thus reduced the spread of pathogens in the hospital. The installation of these siphons proved to be a more effective solution than closing the washbasins.
Fast and secure solutions against germs in siphons from Aqua free
Whether in the event of a finding with multi-resistant germs, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Legionella – or as a preventive protective measure – we help you to find an individual and secure solution for your hospital.
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