Break the chain of infection

In order to achieve a high standard of infection control and prevent the transmission of disease, the chain of infection needs to be broken.

But what is the chain of infection?

In simple terms, there are typically four links in the journey of how an infectious pathogen can be transferred to a person.

The links are as follows:

Pathogen

As the name suggests, this link refers to whichever pathogen is the causative agent behind disease transmission. Regardless of whether this is a virus or bacterium, fungi or parasite, all microbes that can spread disease fall under this umbrella.

Reservoir

This part of the chain refers to where an infectious disease may survive and multiply. In most cases, this will mean the human body, though it can also apply to animals, plants and other living organisms, as well as water sources, food and soil. It may also refer to a location – for example, in your practice, it could be the door handle of your waiting room or surfaces in your washroom – anywhere where the pathogen can proliferate and put others at risk of inadvertently coming into contact with it.

Mode of transmission

In many ways, this is the part of the chain that professionals need to be the most aware of. Modes of transmission are often dictated by the nature of the pathogen, the reservoir it exists in, and the way it has been released from the reservoir (which may be referred to as its portal of exit).

Modes of transmission are usually split into two categories – direct and indirect.

Indirect transmission is a common method for the spread of disease. For instance, a person sneezing will expel respiratory droplets. These may then settle on a surface, making their way onto another person’s hands and then infecting that individual when they touch their mouth (for example). On the other hand, direct transmission is, as the name suggests, more direct and more to do with proximity and direct infection between two individuals. This can include an infected person being too close to someone else and spreading the disease via respiratory droplets as they speak, or a very direct route such as infected individual kissing someone who is not currently infected with a particular pathogen.

There are typically three main modes of transmission available for the majority of pathogens person to person, air to person and surface to person.

Susceptible host

The final link of the chain is a susceptible host. At this stage, the pathogens have infiltrated the defences of the individual and they have become a new reservoir, where the pathogens will multiply, become infectious, and start the chain all over again.

In order to stop this cyclical process, it’s absolutely essential to use infection control products that can break the chain at any point, preventing the spread of illness and helping to create a safe environment for all.

Infection control solutions that go the distance

Whereas person to person transmission of pathogens can be minimised with proper handwashing, social distancing and good cough/sneeze etiquette, an excellent option to help prevent surface to person transmission is the Steri-7 Xtra range of disinfectants from Initial Medical. These products effectively kill 99.99% of pathogens including Coronavirus*, so that they can break the chain of infection at multiple points, preventing further transmission.

As an added element of protection, these innovative solutions feature Reactive Barrier Technology – a protective property that prevents recolonisation of pathogens on treated surfaces for up to 72 hours so long as the cleaning solutions aren’t wiped away. **

In order to help tackle air to person transmission then you have options such as VIRUSKILLER™, air purification technology which is proven to kill 99.9999% of viruses with a single air pass, including Coronavirus***. This solution also decontaminates the air, by not only trapping but also killing airborne viruses, bacteria**** and fungi.

Alongside a triple filtration system, VIRUSKILLER™ uses patented ultraviolet-C (UV-C) lamps, surrounded by a mesh of chromed nano titanium dioxide tube filters that are polished with activated carbon. The emitted UV light reacts with the mesh, and in a process called ‘photocatalytic oxidation’ produces hydroxyl radicals, which acts as a disinfectant and breaks down the organic molecules. This all in one solution effectively filters dirty air, neutralises toxic air and decontaminates sick air.

To find out more about VIRUSKILLER™ air purification technology

Breaking the chain can be simple

The chain of infection is varied and versatile, meaning that you need cleaning and infection control solutions that offer a similarly innovative defence. By investing in products that are both effective and long-lasting, you can significantly lower the risk of disease transmission in your practice.

*Tested against feline Coronavirus, a surrogate virus for Coronavirus.

**Source: Steri-7

*** When independently tested against Coronavirus DF2 (a surrogate for Coronavirus), Adenovirus, Influenza and Polio, the unit was found to kill 99.9999% of viruses on a single air pass.

****When independently tested against reference bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphyloccus aureus subsp. Aureus, Streptoccocus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli), the unit was found to kill 99.9999% of bacteria on a single air pass.

For further information please visit www.initial.co.uk/medical

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About Initial Medical Waste

Initial Medical set the standard in healthcare and infectious waste management in the UK, providing a reliable, effective and fully compliant service built around customer needs and delivered by our highly trained local teams. We are ISO 9001:2015 accredited, with technology fully integrated into our operations, providing full traceability of service delivery, electronic waste documentation and the best customer experience possible. We also offer innovative healthcare waste management services and infection control products, to help break the chain of transmission and prevent cross contamination.

Initial Medical are a company with a ‘World Class’ Health and Safety record, and ISO 45001:2018 accreditation. We are also accredited to ISO 14001:2015 environmental standards, and pride ourselves on our sustainable approach with a focus on delivering eco-friendly products and operational solutions.