Chemtab-Plus: combating C.difficile
Over the past four years or so the superbug Clostridium difficile has hit the headlines. The bacterium, which causes severe diarrhoea - and is particularly dangerous for the elderly - is on the rise, and the question now is, how do we eliminate and further safeguard the environment in which it, and other bacteria, (for example MRSA) thrive?
Recent research has proved that certain bacteria and especially C.difficile can form spores which survive for months or even years in the environment, in spite of a good cleaning regimen. In hospitals, nursing homes and any environment where in particular the elderly are susceptible, it is vitally important this problem is tackled by introducing new cleaning systems.
As part of many cleaning and hygiene programmes, the use of detergents and QAC disinfectants is quite normal and has become acceptable for many years. The problem is that these products are limited in the bacteria they kill, and in some cases not only do certain disinfectants fail to kill bacteria, they actually promote spore formation.
It is well documented that chlorine-based disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach) are very effective against pathogens (bacteria, viruses, spores). That is why it is recommended by the world's major authorities for use against the HIV and Hepatitis B viruses. In the Health Service and in Local Government where a number of authorities have banned the use of liquid bleach, NaDCC tablets predominate as the favoured method of chlorine disinfection. A prominent member of the Infection Control Nurses Association has stated that a combination of detergent and chlorine based disinfectant should be used to combat C.difficile
Developed by Chemaide in partnership with its sister company, Chemtab-Plus, is a fast dissolving 3.25g tablet which combines the sanitising power of NaDCC, a well established disinfectant in the cleaning industry, with detergent builders and low foaming surfactants for superior cleaning results. Additional benefits apart from the disinfecting and cleaning in this two-in-one product, are that Chemtab-Plus is easy to use, easy to transport and more stable than liquid chlorine. The use of tablets also ensures that the correct strength solution is used with minimal effort.
In light of many recent studies carried out on the performance of cleaners and disinfectants against C.difficile and other bacteria and viruses, Chemtab-Plus seems to tick all the right boxes in helping the fight against the superbugs.
T: +44 (0)1403 780638
25th October 2007