EFFECTIVE SYSTEM OF BACTERICIDAL CONDITIONING FOR HOSPITALS

Abstract

Control of the hospital environment is an important initial step in the campaign to control hospital infections. Daily treatment of the patient's entire environment with chemicals is not feasible, but bactericidal treatment of the air can and must be continuous. Four materials are here described for use as waxes, in floor preparations, and on air filters; for application as wax to metal and glass; for spraying walls, ceilings, floors, and mattresses; and for laundry, furniture, and draperies. Their effectiveness was studied in a comparative experiment in which alternate wards in a hospital were studied bacteriologically, the air being recirculated at various set rates. It was found possible to bring about a steady reduction of the bacteria in the air without depending on a central air conditioning system. A major portion of the bacteriological killing depends on procedures other than air filtration. The methods suggested were found consistent with ordinary hospital housekeeping techniques.