Infection Prevention 101

TOPIC:
Infection Prevention 101:
Discover healthy best practices for those with CF and their extended families!

DATE:
Thursday, February 25, 2021

GUEST SPEAKERS:
Natalie Schnell, RN
UNC Hospital Epidemiology

Enjoy the video presentation, and scroll below for answers to questions and additional resources on infection prevention.

Video Recording of Workshop Available:

Q&A with Natalie

What is the Efficacy of Norwex supplies & cleaning cloths with silver anti-microbial woven in?

• I was unable to find any scientific research in a peer-reviewed journal regarding this brand through UNC’s health sciences library and PubMed.  Individual ingredients of the products in question could be researched to determine whether there is proven effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.  It is also important to note whether a product’s claims state that it can be used for disinfection.
• If a microfiber cleaning cloth has silver woven into the fabric, it works to inhibit microbial growth within the cloth only.  While microfiber is very effective, a cleaning solution should still be used with that item.

 
How effective are neck gaiters?

• Based on most recent research, neck gaiters are an effective means of protection, as long as they fit well and consistently stay in place.  The effectiveness can vary based on the type of material.  Very effective combination when worn over a procedure mask.

 
Are there suggestions for low odor cleaning supplies?

• One of the products used in the hospital is accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP), but 3% hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant for home use.  This is the same concentration found at pharmacies, but I am not sure if the brand-name cleaners like Lysol or Clorox use the 3% hydrogen peroxide or AHP in their hydrogen peroxide-specific preparations.
• The EPA maintains lists of registered antimicrobial products with claims against common pathogens: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/selected-epa-registered-disinfectants
  

 
How effective is UV light for disinfection?

• For UV light to be effective, it must reach all surfaces of the area to be cleaned in question – it will not penetrate the surface.  For example, waving a device like a UV light wand over a cell phone will only disinfect that side of the cell phone – it would need to be waved over the other side, as well.  Junctions between the case and the phone can have an increased microbial burden, and physical cleaning will be the best way to ensure thorough removal.  Using items like UV light may also effect the warranty of your device – follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
• Unlike the EPA-registered items we would use in the hospital with proven claims, there is not currently an agency that validates whether these products for home use meet the standards they advertise.  While we know UV light works effectively for disinfection, there is no way to confirm whether the devices sold by a myriad of companies use adequate amounts of light, what the specified square footage for use may be, and what the quality of the bulbs sold with the device is.

 
Do you have suggestions for proper mask fit?

• Department director Emily Sickbert-Bennett’s video for optimizing mask fit can be found here:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=UANi8Cc71A0

Summary graphics of recent mask efficacy data are below:
(click on image to enlarge)