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 Proper Way to Use Cleaning Carts
JPS Health Network Breaks Ground on New Hospital
Saint Anthony Hospital Reports Email Breach
Healthcare Facilities are Shifting Toward More Holistic Designs
Froedtert Hospital Unveils Six-Level Parking Structure