Specially trained dogs are being used to sniff out Clostridioides difficile (C diff) to help guide environmental cleaning efforts, according to an article on the Contagion website.
C diff is especially challenging as it produces spores that are very tough to kill, which makes disinfection a hurdle.
Vancouver Coastal Health is using C diff canine scent detection. The trained dogs can detect C diff with 97% accuracy.
A Vancouver team has trained two dogs and is working on getting more through the program. The dogs also increase staff engagement and have helped reduce environmental contamination.
The Hidden Risks of QAC Disinfectants in Healthcare Facilities
Sprinkler Compliance: Navigating Code Mandates, Renovation Triggers and Patient Safety
Baptist Health Acquires South Arkansas Regional Hospital
Wider View: Planning LED Upgrades Across a Healthcare Portfolio
Cone Health Plans Hospital in Forsyth County of North Carolina