STURTEVANT, WISC. – A recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control showed that the introduction of a disposable wiping system pre-wetted with an Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP) disinfectant cleaner significantly reduced the rate of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) caused by key pathogens, including C. difficile, MRSA and VRE over a 1-year period.

“The stark reality is that antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs) are on the rise, and because of this, effective cleaning and disinfection is an ever-more important weapon to prevent these organisms from spreading in a healthcare setting,” said Carolyn Cooke, Vice President, North American Healthcare Division, Sealed Air’s (NYSE: SEE) Diversey Care division.

AROs significantly increase the cost of care and negatively impact patient outcomes, often resulting in longer hospital stays and death in some cases.  The study evaluated whether daily hospital-wide use of disinfectant cleaner in place of a non-disinfectant cleaner could lead to the reduction of HAI rates for C. difficile, MRSA and VRE, where housekeeping compliance with cleaning and disinfecting protocol was 80 percent or higher.

Over the 52-week study, results were collected from both a control and intervention hospital.  The intervention hospital results showed a significant reduction in the HAI rates associated with the measured AROs.  This was attributed to three important components:

1)      Clearly defined cleaning and disinfection protocol that included education of personnel on how to properly disinfect surfaces, including staff assessment of performance

2)      Routine cleaning and disinfection compliance monitoring with feedback to the staff on results, to validate a minimum of 80 percent process compliance, and

3)      The incorporation of a fast and effective disinfectant cleaner into the process

“Accel® INTERvention (also known as Oxivir® Tb), a Diversey Care disinfectant cleaner, was used in the study, and demonstrated its speed and effectiveness against key healthcare-associated pathogens including MRSA and VRE.  The integrated protocol and product used also showed a significant reduction in C. difficile infections in the facility,” said Cooke.

The hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant, powered by AHP® technology, is non-irritating to eyes and skin, making it safe for staff and patients, and gentle on most hard non-porous surfaces and non-critical patient care equipment.

“We believe that the incorporation of the right product, protocol and training and validation system can improve patient outcomes.  It is so exciting that a real-world implementation of this integrated program proves that improved cleaning and disinfection can make a real difference for patients and healthcare facilities.  The St. Boniface staff and Dr. Alfa deserve a round of applause for making such a difference in their community,” added Cooke.

For further details about the Accel/Oxivir family of disinfectant cleaners, contact 800-558-2332 or visit www.sealedair.com.

Use of daily disinfectant-cleaner instead of daily cleaner reduced hospital acquired infection rates, AJIC, Dec. 2014, Dr. Michelle Alfa.

Diversey Care is a division of Sealed Air Corp., a leader in food safety and security, facility hygiene and product protection. For more information about Diversey Care, please visit www.diversey.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

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About Sealed Air

Sealed Air Corporation creates a world that feels, tastes and works better. In 2013, the Company generated revenue of approximately $7.7 billion by helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals in the face of today’s biggest social and environmental challenges. Our portfolio of widely recognized brands, including Cryovac® brand food packaging solutions, Bubble Wrap® brand cushioning and Diversey™ cleaning and hygiene solutions, ensures a safer and less wasteful food supply chain, protects valuable goods shipped around the world, and improves health through clean environments. Sealed Air has approximately 25,000 employees who serve customers in 175 countries. To learn more, visit www.sealedair.com.