New Study Shows That Closed Pipe Systems Can Reduce the Amount of Bacteria in Hospitals
A groundbreaking study from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) reveals that automated, hermetically sealed pipe systems for hospital waste disposal and handling dirty laundry can significantly reduce the amount of bacteria in hospitals when compared to traditional hospital waste management methods.
The study, conducted by Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems students Simon Britzelli and Kylie Aziz, indicates that transitioning to these advanced systems can not only enhance hygiene but could also, potentially, also save the healthcare sector billions of pounds by reducing healthcare-associated infections.
The study compared bacterial contamination at Hospital A, which has utilised Envac’s automated pipe system for hospital waste disposal since 1972, with Hospital B, which currently uses conventional methods but is in the process of implementing an Envac system. The findings showed up to 49.3% fewer colony-forming units (CFU) at Hospital A, highlighting the system’s effectiveness in curbing microbial spread.
A Revolution in Hospital Waste Management
Magnus Sjöstrand, Healthcare Expert from Envac commented: “These results emphasise the need to rethink hospital waste management logistics in both new and existing facilities. Our technology not only contributes to more efficient hospital laundry and waste disposal but also to a safer healthcare environment.”
This research is particularly crucial as it addresses a gap in existing studies; previous research has focused on bacteria in dirty laundry and waste, but none have examined how the logistics systems themselves impact the amount of bacteria. “This study highlights an issue that has been previously overlooked,” says Sjöstrand.
Envac’s closed pipe system manages dirty laundry, general waste, and infectious hospital waste in separate pipes, drastically reducing physical contact between staff and contaminated materials. This creates a safer environment for both patients and healthcare staff.
For more information or to read the full study, click here.
Contact Person:
Magnus Sjöstrand, Healthcare expert, Envac
Email: magnus.sjostrand@envac.se
Phone: +4670-856 24 61