David Fisman, MD, an epidemiologist at the University of Toronto, warns that the potential for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) to spread via feces presents novel challenges to hospitals in particular. He also sees potential for the pathogen to take the fecal–oral route if hygiene standards are insufficient. Restricting the virus spread thus becomes difficult, as care utensils such as bedpans become trouble spots within the chain of infection.
Certified effective against SARS-CoV-2
The cleaning and disinfection performance of Meiko cleaning and disinfection machines has now been assessed as highly effective against SARS-CoV-2 by independent hygiene institute Hygcen Germany GmbH. The report compares the temperature, mechanism, and use of chemicals in Meiko appliances with the established characteristics of coronaviruses. The results: the cleaning process used in Meiko cleaning and disinfection machines is safe. There are, however, a few points to remember when dealing with potentially contaminated care utensils.
Add an alkali detergent to the hot cycle
Numerous tests have shown high efficacy in combating viruses with envelopes, in particular using detergents with high emulsifying capacities and hot alkali-detergent solutions at 50 °C or higher. Coronaviruses fit into this category. This is always an option with Meiko products as it is possible to add an alkali detergent to the hot cycle.
Set the disinfection cycle to an A0 value of at least 600
An A0 value of 600 is considered sufficient to disinfect surfaces of temperature-sensitive viruses such as coronaviruses. On some Meiko appliances, the user can even set this independently. On others, the manufacturer can configure the machine to achieve this. Two temperature sensors verify each other, guaranteeing that the required temperature in the wash chamber of the Meiko machine is reliably maintained over the necessary time period (10 minutes at 80 °C, 1 minute at 90 °C). A0 values can be set or selected from 60 to 3,000.
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