New Federal guidelines list specific procedures for cleaning and maintaining the upholstery of medical furniture in dialysis treatment facilities. The Federal Rule, "Medicare Program: Conditions for Coverage for End-Stage Renal Disease Facilities," published on April 15, 2008 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, establish criteria that dialysis facilities must meet to obtain certification in the Medicare program. These regulations stipulate that all dialysis facilities “must provide and monitor a sanitary environment to minimize the transmission of infectious agents within and between the unit and any adjacent hospital or other public areas.”
Toward this end, the “Medicare” rule incorporated the entirety of a document entitled “Recommendations for Prevent Transmission of Infections Among Chronic Hemodialysis Patients,” published by the Center for Disease Control. The CDC’s “Recommendations” document established guidelines and procedures for limiting the transmission of bloodborne viruses and pathogenic bacteria.
The “Recommendations” document underscores that contract transmission is the primary way that dangerous bloodborne pathogens spread. In addition, the report also focuses on the proper cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces that come into contact with the skin of patients.
More specifically, the document advises that after each patient treatment, the surfaces of the dialysis station, especially the bed or chair, must be cleaned with a soap detergent or detergent germicide. The report also advises that medical professionals conduct a “careful mechanical cleaning before any disinfection process…If the manufacturer has provided instructions on sterilization or disinfection of the item, these instructions should be followed.” Consequently, the upholstery of medical chairs must endure regular cleanings with harsh chemical disinfectants to ensure sterile conditions to inhibit contact transmission of pathogens.
Regular cleanings of healthcare furniture fabrics can destroy the valuable anti-microbial prosperities of these materials. Most healthcare furniture items have fabrics treated with chemicals, such as arsenic or cyanide, which wear away over time due to repeated cleanings. Ironically, the more healthcare workers clean the anti-microbial fabrics of the beds and chairs of their healthcare furniture, the less effective these materials become in resisting viral and bacterial infestations.
Nanocide™, produced by CMI Enterprises and used in the manufacture of the transitional healthcare furniture produced by Scope Technologies, solves this problem. In contrast to other healthcare fabrics, the antimicrobial properties of Nanocide are intrinsically part of the fabric and are not worn away over time. In fact, Nanocide upholstery can be cleaned and washed with bleach or other disinfectants, all without wearing away the fabric’s antimicrobial prosperities. Based on these new Federal rules, Nanocide is the only antimicrobial fabric than withstand the repeated cleanings and disinfectants.
Contact Scope Technologies at 888.443.9888 or visit www.scopemdcare.com for more information.
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