Microbiological evaluation of the ability of the DEKO-190 Washer/Disinfector to remove Clostridium difficile spores from bedpan surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile is a major nosocomial pathogen causing mild diarrhoea to life-threatening pseudomembranous colitis, and its spores frequently contaminate hospital environments and equipment. Washer/Disinfectors (WDs) are commonly used to clean and decontaminate soiled equipment in health care facilities. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the DEKO-190 WD in removing C. difficile spores from bedpans.

METHODS

Plastic carriers were inoculated with suspensions of C. difficile spores in autoclaved (sterile) human faeces. The carriers were then taped to a sterile plastic bedpan which was subjected to short, long or intensive wash cycles in the WD using one of two test detergents: Formula A (generic) and Formula B (highly alkaline). Mean log reductions in spores were calculated for each wash cycle.

RESULTS

Mean log reductions were 3.21(SEM ± 0.20) and 2.82 (±0.13) for Formula A and B, respectively, for the short cycle. The mean log reductions using the long wash cycle were 3.65 (±0.44) using Formula A and 5.30 (±0.43) using Formula B, while log reductions were 3.37 (±0.58) (Formula A) and 4.64 (±0.47) (Formula B) for the intensive cycle. Washing with the DEKO-190 significantly reduced spore concentrations on carrier surfaces on a bedpan. Spore counts were most effectively reduced when carriers were washed on a long or intensive wash cycle using an alkaline detergent.