Reopening Your Business after Coronavirus

As businesses are beginning to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic, there are questions that need to be answered:

1. What risks do we have by reopening to employees/the public?
2. How can we manage those risks?
3. How do I provide comfort to our patrons that our environment is safe?
4. How do I provide comfort to my employees that our environment is safe?
5. What tools can help me keep my environment clean?

ClorDiSys has a long history of working in some of the most sterile environments in the world. We're looking to help businesses apply the most practical of these tools and techniques to their protocols for reopening and their enhanced contamination control plans. We work with many critical facilities from food and pharmaceutical manufacturing to healthcare environments, so we can draw upon best practices to help solve many of the challenges being faced. There is hardly a one size fits all solution, but coupled with other practices and products, there are a good number of ways to reduce the risks of bringing together so many people in one location every day and we would love to help. Every business has a different set of risks, so contact us to discuss your situation. We also have a free webinar scheduled for June 18th at two convenient times to discuss the reopening of business that will touch upon many of these ideas. If you are interested in attending, click here to register.

Planning for the Safe Return of Employees and Customers Post-Pandemic

Across the globe, countries are beginning to phase into what will be their new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States specifically, this includes allowing some "nonessential" businesses to reopen. Whether it is an office, a laboratory, a warehouse, a daycare, a gym, or a salon, extra precautions such as social distancing and symptom screenings can only do so much. Improving a facility's sanitation and contamination control is also key. ClorDiSys can help your company plan the safe return of employees and customers as your business reopens.

Ultraviolet light (UV-C) is an inexpensive, simple to use, chemical-free disinfection method effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores. Whether it is in preparation for the return of employees and customers or for ongoing disinfection between shifts, meetings, or classes, the Torch UV-C disinfection tower provides a rapid and highly effective method to disinfect surfaces, components, room surfaces and common touch points to reduce the transfer of dangerous organisms such as coronavirus. In fact, the University of Nebraska Medical Center recently published their procedure for N95 mask disinfection using our Torch.

The Torch simply plugs into any standard wall outlet and contains eight high-powered, Teflon-coated UVC lamps to provide quick disinfection times. Each Torch produces an efficient UVC output of 12 mJ/minute (200 μw/cm2) to get a calculated 99% reduction of bacteria in 1 minute and spores like C.diff in 5 minutes making it ideal for the decontamination of all your company’s shared spaces including lobbies, conference rooms, cafeterias, bathrooms, and locker rooms.

Contact ClorDiSys to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus and other dangerous pathogens by calling (908) 236-4100 or email info@clordisys.com.

Preparing for and Responding to Coronavirus in the Workplace

A new study from National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists found that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard, and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel. The results provide key information about the stability of SARS-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), suggesting people may acquire the virus through the air and after touching contaminated objects. Does your facility have a plan if one of your employees test positive for COVID-19?

 

Some international destinations as well as parts of the United States now have ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19. Community spread means people have been infected, and it is not known how or where they became exposed. Prevent the spread of coronavirus within your workforce by utilizing ClorDiSys Solutions’ high-level disinfection services in your facility’s high traffic areas. Our company offers three reasonably-priced decontamination options for all of your company’s shared space concerns including lobbies, conference rooms, cafeterias, bathrooms, and locker rooms.

1. Electrostatic spraying with chlorine dioxide, minncare, sodium hypochlorite, or other agent of your choice to eliminate organisms on surfaces for pinpoint disinfection
   
2. Electrostatic spraying with BioBlock 90, a disinfecting agent that doubles as a protection layer from organisms for up to 90 days
   
3. Quick, chemical free, UV-C facility disinfection: UV-C is the killing spectrum of ultraviolet light proven effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores including SARS-CoV

Protect your team and your business from viruses, bacteria, spores, and other harmful organisms.

SOURCES

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/new-coronavirus-stable-hours-surfaces

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016609340400179X

What Coronavirus Means for Mass Transit and other Public Spaces

On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the entire United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). On March 11, 2020, WHO publicly characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working closely with state health departments on disease surveillance, contact tracing, and providing interim guidance for clinicians on identifying and treating coronavirus infections. What does this mean for the millions of Americans who count on buses, subways and commuter trains to get to work, school, and other daily activities?

The very thought of being in close or confined quarters with other passengers is cause for hesitation and potential panic. Transit agencies around the country have responded to the public health emergency by announcing expanded cleaning schedules, dispensing hand sanitizer, and equipping drivers with antiseptic wipes. These expanded cleaning schedules usually just involve wiping down the areas people mostly touch with a disinfectant, because wiping all the surfaces would take a lot of time and labor. There is an effective alternative option to the commonly use spray and wipe method, and that is fogging with chlorine dioxide.

Whether the fogging is completed by the ClorDiSys Decontamination Service team or the supplies are purchased for an agency or company’s staff to complete themselves, liquid chlorine dioxide is applied to surfaces using handheld foggers at concentrations capable of eliminating viruses, bacteria, fungi and spores. This method offers a level of disinfection comparable to utilizing Vapor-Phase Hydrogen Peroxide (VPHP). Handheld foggers are used to reach more surfaces than a stationary fogger, while changing the angle of application in order to minimize shadow areas not being contacted. This option can be used for buses, rail cars, and any other high-traffic public space, not limited to mass transit. Even companies in food and pharmaceutical production are creating COVID-19 response plans that include fogging offices, warehouses, and more.

Contact ClorDiSys by phone at (908) 236-4100 or complete a decontamination service request to learn more.

The Newly Remodeled, More Powerful Flashbox-Mini

As of February 27, 2020, the novel coronavirus (abbreviated “COVID-19”) has an estimated global death toll of over 2,800, and it has invaded 47 countries, with California and Germany recording the first cases with no obvious source of transmission. The World Health Organization announced today, February 28, the coronavirus outbreak has reached the “highest level” of risk for the world. “This thing can go in any direction. We’re not undermining the risk, it’s there. That’s why today we said the global risk is very high. We increased it from high to very high,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, said during a press briefing in Geneva Friday. Prevent the spread of novel coronavirus with the utilization of ultraviolet light disinfection for items of everyday use.

Ultraviolet light (UV-C) is a simple, chemical-free method of disinfection effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores. ClorDiSys Solutions recently upgraded their Flashbox-mini ultraviolet light disinfection chamber, and the completely redesigned model has a greater intensity providing a higher level of disinfection in faster cycle times. The Flashbox-mini is a small, easily transportable chamber designed for use in any healthcare, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, laboratory, or research setting. It contains one quartz glass shelf to support the items being disinfected, generally tablet computers, phones, remote controls, miscellaneous electronics, instruments, and components, while not creating shadow areas or inhibiting the light’s ability to shine. The quartz glass shelf allows for complete coverage due to its unique ability of allowing UV-C to penetrate, unlike most other materials often seen such as wire, plastic or traditional glass. The chamber produces an efficient UV-C output intensity of approximately 1100 µw/cm2 achieving a 99.99% kill of spores like C. diff and a greater than 99.99% kill of bacteria such as MRSA and Hepatitis in 30 seconds on all visible surfaces. Not only does it reduce the transfer of dangerous organisms, but it also offers a way to disinfect components without removing them from the room, minimizing the chance for cross-contamination.

ClorDiSys Solutions’ years of experience in contamination and infection control across many industry types allows us to offer a unique blend of knowledge, experience, and methods that work. Contact us to discuss the best suited approach to improve your facility’s microbial contamination control and prevention.

Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus with Ultraviolet Light

The CDC is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (abbreviated “COVID-19”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and continues to expand. Chinese health officials have reported tens of thousands of cases of COVID-19 in China. Some person-to-person spread of this virus outside China has been detected, and the United States reported the first confirmed instance of person-to-person spread with this virus on January 30, 2020. Not long after, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concernexternal icon” (PHEIC).

The novel coronavirus is a kind of positive-sense single-stranded RNV virus, same as the SARS and MERS virus. While the complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is not fully understood, both MERS and SARS have been known to cause severe illness in people. Research on SARS found that this kind of virus is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV-C) light and can be diminished with exposure to UV-C irradiation stronger than 90 μW/cm2. Thus, in theory, UV-C light would be able to destroy the novel coronavirus.

Ultraviolet light has been used widely in disinfection with a wide range of medical and non-medical products available in the market. UV-C light is germicidal because it inactivates microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA. Ultraviolet light not only kills the virus on surfaces but also those in the air. China is currently disinfecting some aircrafts as well as yuan bills with ultraviolet light as part of efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus that has killed more than 1,500 people.

ClorDiSys Solutions has an ultraviolet light disinfection tower, the Torch, that is an inexpensive, easily transportable, powerful system that provides a rapid and highly effective method to disinfect surfaces, components, room surfaces and common touch points. Each Torch produces an efficient UV-C output of 12 mJ/minute (200 μw/cm2) to get a calculated 99% reduction of MRSA in 1 minute and Clostridium difficile spores in 5 minutes. In 2015, the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit (NBU) treated patients with Ebola virus disease evacuated from West Africa to the United States. Four Torch towers were used as the final disinfection step within those patients’ rooms and bathrooms. ClorDiSys also has a smaller version of this UV-C generator called the Lantern, designed for use within EMS vehicles and ambulances. Our line of ultraviolet light systems continues to grow and evolve to further support infection control efforts worldwide.


SOURCES
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/15/chinese-banks-disinfect-banknotes-to-stop-spread-of-coronavirus

4th Annual Food Safety and Microbiology Conference

In just over two weeks, ClorDiSys Solutions and Kornacki Microbiology Solutions, Inc will be hosting their Fourth Annual Food Safety andMicrobiology Conference in San Antonio, Texas. In response to the everyday challenges food safety professionals face, we invite those working in industry, government, or research focused on food microbiology, quality assurance and control, sanitation, plant management, technical services, or operations to this 2.5 day event covering a variety of topics from new legislation to new technologies. The conference aims to deliver high-level problem-solving sessions in order to elevate companies’ food safety programs and address emerging food safety issues.  The agenda will feature a mix of regulatory information, microbiological tips and tricks, and innovative solutions in order to provide a well-rounded balance for all attendees.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

• How are Consumers Handling Your Products? Hint: It's Not How You Think.
• FDA’s Regulatory Updates and Their Industry Impact
• Allergen Management through Hygienic Zoning and Sanitation
• Evolution of a Food Safety Program after Contamination
• Resident Strains: Identification, Elimination, and Prevention
• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Updates
• Empowering Sanitation: Redefining a Dirty Word
• How to Ramp Up Your Recall Readiness
• Managing Food Safety and Sanitation in the Digital Age

THE EXTRACURRICULARS

In addition to meeting and learning from world class speakers with a variety of backgrounds, you’ll also have opportunities to relax and get to know your industry peers. On Sunday, March 1st from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, join us for traditional Mexican food, open bar, and a live mariachi band during our conference kick-off at Guadalajara Grill. The Guadalajara Grill neighbors the Hilton Palacio del Rio where the conference is being held, and our mixer will be in the private dining room on the second floor above the restaurant. After the close of Day 1’s sessions, there will be a happy hour reception sponsored by Food Safety Net Services to immediately follow. Then, on Wednesday, March 4^th, attendees have the opportunity to experience the world-famous San Antonio River Walk in an unforgettable away, a one-hour narrated Go Rio River Cruise. Admission to all activities is included in the registration fee.

The 2020 Food Safety and Microbiology Conference may be fast approaching, but registration is still open. Click here to learn more, and sign up now before it is too late.

Free Workshops for All Industries Concerned with Contamination Control

Although ClorDiSys was founded in 2001 and chlorine dioxide has been recognized as a disinfectant since the early 1900s, chlorine dioxide gas is still viewed as a new decontamination method in most industries. For this reason, we offer free contamination control workshops across the United States and Canada that explore the various methods of disinfection and sterilization available, allowing companies, universities, and government agencies to make informed decisions when reviewing your contamination control plan. Focus will be given to chlorine dioxide gas, which is at the forefront of keeping facilities cleaner and safer than ever before, as well as ultraviolet light disinfection. View the list below to see if ClorDiSys will be in a city near you!

March 24 – Frederick, MD

March 31 – Harrisburg, PA

April 21 – St. Louis, MO

May 28 – Oklahoma City, OK

June 9 – Toronto, ON

June 23 – Denver, CO

To register for one of these workshops, click here. More dates and locations to come.

Preventing Contamination - Disinfect Your Incoming Air

Contaminants typically enter a facility through one of four ways: Air, Water, Supplies / Ingredients and People.  Over the next few months, we’ll highlight these vectors and discuss methods to help control them.  For our first post in this series, we’d like to talk about contaminants entering through the air.

Ambient air may be contaminated with or carry significant levels of a variety of potentially harmful microorganisms. There are three major sources of such microbes: a) those arising from microbial decomposition of various substrates associated with particular occupations (e.g., "moldy" hay leading to hypersensitivity pneumonitis), b) those associated with certain types of environments (e.g., Legionnaires' bacteria in water supplies), and c) those stemming from infective individuals harboring a particular pathogen (e.g., tuberculosis). As far as building ventilation design is concerned, the greatest impact of any ventilation design would be on the airborne route of contamination.   If there is no control system for incoming air to your facility, these contaminants can enter and distribute throughout your facility.  Two of the most common air quality control systems are ail filtration systems and ultraviolet light disinfection systems.

The most common types of air filters used for air quality control are Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and Ultra Low Particulate Air (ULPA) filters.  MERV ratings range from 1-20, with higher numbers offering better filtration.  HEPA and ULPA filters roughly correspond with MERV ratings of 17-20.  HEPA filters are rated to capture at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns (µm) while ULPA filters are rated to remove at least 99.999% of particles 0.1 micron (µm) or larger.  These systems are used in many critical environments to prevent contaminants or particulates from entering, and are available from a number of companies.  Related: ClorDiSys has validated the use of our chlorine dioxide gas to decontaminate Camfil’s Mobile Media Tester.

Ultraviolet light is a specific part of the electromagnetic spectrum of light that offers germicidal effects. Ultraviolet light is divided into UV-A, UV-B and UV-C rays. It is the wavelengths in the UV-C spectrum, specifically 265 nm, which offer the greatest germicidal potential. When a micro-organism is exposed to UV-C, the nuclei of the cells are altered due to photolytic processes. This process prevents further replication and causes cell death. As such, rather than trap pathogens and microbes like a filter, ultraviolet light kills them.

Ultraviolet light is typically placed in one of two locations in order to control pathogens within incoming air.  One location is inline with the supply air ductwork, disinfecting the air as it travels past the UV-C lamp.  Another application is using UV-C light to control organisms on the air handling system’s cooling coils.  UV-C light has been shown to reduce biofilms and control biofilm growth on cooling coils.  Biofilm growth on cooling coils has been shown to increase static pressure within the HVAC system which causes the system to work less efficiently to overcome that higher pressure.  Controlling these biofilms, in addition to supplying cleaner air, maintains the system's efficiency which in turn allows it to run better and save the facility money.  These have been shown to provide a cost savings greater than the cost of the UV-C system itself.

ClorDiSys offers the AirGlow™ as an in-duct ultraviolet light disinfection system that can be installed in any HVAC system. The AirGlow can help reduce and/or eliminate the growth of bacteria, mold and spores on supply and return airflow. Designed for continuous and long-term use, the AirGlow is constructed out of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and uses UV-C lamps with a lifespan of 13,000 hours (approx. 18 months). As air passes the quartz glass UV-C bulbs of the AirGlow, the travelling air is disinfected, and harmful organisms that may have been present are killed. It provides continuous disinfection without special attention or risk of exposure to people in rooms being handled by the ductwork.

Read more about the AirGlow here or complete this form for a quote. Contact ClorDiSys Solutions for additional contamination prevention products and services.

Food Safety and Microbiology Conference Speaker Spotlight: Angela Anandappa, Ph. D.

Dr. Angela Anandappa is the Founding Director for the Alliance for Advanced Sanitation. The Alliance’s activities are focused on all manners of food safety hazards, including microbial pathogens, allergens, toxic chemicals and water conservation in sanitation operations. Dr. Anandappa is an experienced food safety industry professional having worked in Supplier Chain, Product Development, and Sanitation Areas of the food manufacturing industry. She has served as an assistant professor in the department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she has taught both graduate- and undergraduate-level courses. Prior to her current role, she was the Section Manager, Supply Chain Safety Assurance for the Kraft Heinz Company. She has expertise in Product Development, Supplier Gap Assessments and Technical Consultations, Risk-Based supplier evaluation and verification support and Manufacturing support and plant readiness evaluations. She currently serves as the Co-Chair for the Food Chemical Hazard and Food Allergy Professional Development Group at IAFP, serves on several boards such as the Board of Directors for the Animal Digestible Food Packaging Initiative and for Food Safety Tech. Dr. Anandappa has published many journal articles, with most recent work focusing on microbiome and hygienic conditions of facilities.

Dr. Anandappa will be presenting on the first day of the 2020 Food Safety and Microbiology Conference this March. Her presentation “Empowering Sanitation: Redefining a Dirty Word” will speak less on the technical challenges that sanitation faces, and more on the personnel and company culture. To see a complete list of the industry leaders and food safety experts that will be participating, view the conference program here.

Establishing a Clean Break in Production

A clean break is a defined production break that involves a documented, verified, and validated cleaning and sanitation process of all food/product contact surfaces. Clean breaks are used to establish lots to trace their products and limit the quantity or product recalled in case of a contamination. Similar to a firebreak in a forest, a clean break gives you that line of safety.  Some municipalities will clear out a section of the forest to act as a “clean break” so that in case of a fire, you have a line of containment already in place. Preventive measures are always hard to value, because like insurance, it is hoped to be a sunk cost that has no return on investment. However, if it is used, its value is tremendous.

Now the problem is, what happens if you cannot defend your clean break? If your clean break cannot be defended during a recall, then as far as an investigator is concerned, you didn’t have one.  When that happens, your recall will grow. In October 2018, McCain Foods recalled 63 different products back to a shipped date of January 1, 2016 because they didn’t have a more recent clean break. In order to defend your chosen sanitation method, you must understand decontamination and sterilization. The traditional sanitation methods do kill – you see the log reduction right on the label of the products – 99.9% antibacterial, and so on. However, these methods can have difficulty guaranteeing that all organisms have been contacted or contacted with the proper effective dosage. Even ozone, which is an effective method, doesn’t hold the concentration very long, which makes it difficult to do larger areas. Alternatively, chlorine dioxide gas is able to achieve a complete 6-log sporicidal decontamination of all surfaces within a space, including hard-to-reach areas such as cracks and crevices, because it is a true gas above -40 degrees and its molecule size is smaller than the smallest virus. Because ClorDiSys Solutions’ process is pure and dry, our chlorine dioxide gas doesn’t leave a residue. Once the gas has been removed, the area is safe and does not require additional cleanup. ClorDiSys’ approach to process control has enabled us to be trusted to keep critical environments safe, including 31 of the Top 100 food manufacturers.

To learn more about utilizing chlorine dioxide gas for a clean break in production, email us or call us at (908) 236-4100.

Learn Something New in the New Year!

Happy New Year! We are kicking off 2020 webinars with our January presentations starting next week. We reviewed all of our offerings at the end of 2019, reconfigured some designs, and reevaluated topics, so we are really looking forward to showing you the result.

JANUARY 14 – 1:00PM EST

CD Gas 101: An Intro to its Process and Applications

This webinar is for all industries looking to improve their sanitation and decontamination. We will discuss the chemical characteristics of chlorine dioxide gas and how they enable it to provide a highly effective decontamination. Applications for using CD gas as well as products and services will also be presented. This 30 minute webinar begins at 1pm Eastern.

JANUARY 14 – 2:00PM EST

Ultraviolet Light Disinfection 101

A webinar for those in all industries who are interested in learning about UV-C light disinfection for contamination control. We will discuss the properties, efficacy, safety, and use applications for ultraviolet light disinfection along with product information and specifications. This 30 minute webinar begins at 2pm Eastern.

JANUARY 16 – 1:00PM EST

Chlorine Dioxide Gas vs. Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor

This webinar is for life science and pharmaceutical professionals who are current hydrogen peroxide vapor users, or looking to choose between the two decontamination methods. We will discuss the chemical differences which affect their efficacy and safety for a variety of applications. Case studies, material compatibility data, and other referenced information will also be presented. This 30 minute webinar begins at 1pm Eastern.

JANUARY 16 – 2:00PM EST

Clean Break in Food and Pharmaceutical Production

This webinar is for food safety and pharmaceutical professionals who would learn about implimenting a clean break by using chlorine dioxide gas. This "certified clean" event will provide a sterility marker in case of a contamination in order to limit the size and severity of a recall. We will discuss why chlorine dioxide can be used to prove a clean break as well as case studies and documentation. This 30 minute webinar begins at 2pm Eastern.

JANUARY 22 – 1:00PM EST

Ask the Experts

Join us for an open Q&A session with experts from our various industry sectors on the line to answer any questions you may have about contamination control. Questions can be public or private allowing you to ask about sensitive situations if needed. Experts will be available to answer questions regarding:

• Chlorine dioxide gas decontamination
• UV-C disinfection
• Comparisons to other disinfection/decontamination methods
• Product sterilization
• Facility decontamination
• Inactivation of Pinworm Eggs
• Inactivation of Beta Lactams

It is not too late to register for our free webinars this month. Additional information and registration can be viewed here. Be sure to keep checking back, because we have new presentations in the coming months including Recall Prevention and Response, Non-microbial Contaminants, Decontaminating Low-Moisture and Dry Environments, Architecture & Engineering: Lab Planning with Implementation of Chlorine Dioxide, and more.

Wishing You, Your Colleagues, and Families Good Times and Good Cheer this Holiday Season

No matter what holiday you celebrate, all of us here at ClorDiSys Solutions wish you a very happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year! As we take time to reflect on this year and those who have helped shape our business, we believe 2019 was an absolute success full of growth and challenging projects. We thank you for your continued support. May your days be merry and bright!

PLEASE NOTE OUR HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
Monday, December 23 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday, December 24 CLOSED
Wednesday, December 25 CLOSED
Thursday, December 26 CLOSED
Friday, December 27 8:00am – 5:00pm

Why, When, and How to Choose High-Level Disinfection in Healthcare

The Spaulding Classification categorizes medical devices based on their risk of infection to help determine what level of disinfection or sterilization is required to render them safe for reuse. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy’s (ASGE) Multisociety guideline on reprocessing flexible GI endoscopes: 2016 update describes the three classes as critical, semi-critical, and non-critical. While healthcare has followed the Spaulding classification system to determine the required level of processing for medical devices for decades, infection outbreaks related to contaminated devices, most notably endoscopes, have prompted hospitals, manufacturers, regulators and industry associations to reevaluate the processing of reusable medical equipment.

ClorDiSys Solutions’ Brand Manager, Emily Lorcheim, was asked by Healthcare Purchasing News when, why and how to choose high-level disinfection or sterilization. Her response was “Issues on determining whether high-level disinfection or sterilization is appropriate are many times based off the intended application. Disinfection is defined as a 99.99% to 99.999% level of kill, whereas sterilization is the elimination of all organisms and results in a 99.9999%, or 6-log sporicidal reduction. Sterilization is required in healthcare for applications such as implantable medical devices, or if there is a major occurrence of a significant disease.” Emily added “High-level disinfection is key on items that should be rid of organisms often, due to frequent human contact and therefore potential contamination. These items can include cell phones, tablets, office supplies, remotes, etc. Another opportunity where measures of high-level disinfection can be utilized is on external medical equipment that either cannot be easily cleaned due to size restraints or being fixed in position, or cannot be treated with certain sterilizing chemicals or conditions. Methods may cause material damages, especially liquid methods, which may be corrosive or leave residues.”

Most healthcare facilities use an array of processes to clean, disinfect and sterilize surgical equipment and instrumentation. Emily points out “many times sterilization methods require long exposure times, harsh chemicals, sealing spaces off or separate chambers… many of these methods are not conducive to the fast-paced environment of the healthcare setting. High-level disinfection can be applied in a variety of methods, quickly, easily and effectively to maintain a safe healthcare environment.” Regardless of the modality, high-level disinfection or sterilization, a device won’t be safe for use unless it has been properly cleaned according to the manufacturer’s IFU. Attention must be dedicated to the training, certification and competencies for individuals performing these cleaning activities, because as Damien Berg, Regional Manager of Sterile Processing at UCHealth, stated “We don’t ever want to say no to a product that could save a life, but we also don’t want to hurt a life by agreeing to a product that is too challenging to clean or for which we don’t have the necessary technology to process.”

Click here to read Kara Nadeau’s “Disinfection by Degrees” article in its entirety.

Top Reasons to Attend the 2020 Food Safety and Microbiology Conference

In response to the everyday challenges food safety professionals face, ClorDiSys Solutions and Kornacki Microbiology Solutions, Inc organized the Annual Food Safety and Microbiology Conference. With 2020 being our fourth year, we invite those working in industry, government, or research focused on food microbiology, quality assurance and control, sanitation, plant management, technical services, or operations to this 2.5 day event covering a variety of topics from new legislation to new technologies. If this sounds like you, here are a few reasons why you cannot miss this conference.

LEARN FROM FOOD SAFETY EXPERTS & INDUSTRY LEADERS
You'll be able to meet, listen to, and learn from world class speakers with a variety of backgrounds. These industry, academic, and governmental food safety professionals will be available outside of their presentation times for introductions and additional questions.

WORLD CLASS CONTENT
This conference aims to deliver high-level problem solving sessions in order to elevate your food safety program and address emerging food safety issues.  The agenda will feature a mix of regulatory information, microbiological tips and tricks, and innovative solutions in order to provide a well-rounded balance for all attendees.  Upon leaving, you'll have clear takeaways which will help improve your company operate cleaner, safer, and more efficient than ever before.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
This year’s conference is being held at the Hilton Palacio del Rio, located along the River Walk, San Antonio’s most popular attraction. Walking distance from restaurants, bars, shops, and the Alamo, this landmark hotel features rich South Texas stylings and original art. Be sure to check out their five onsite restaurants and bars – Coffee Cupboard, Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub, River’s Edge Café, Tex’s Sports Bar (the only sports bar on the River Walk) and Rincon Alegre Lobby Bar. Oh, did we mention it is only eight miles from the San Antonio Airport?

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR INDUSTRY PEERS
This Annual Conference is a lot of learning packed into a short amount of time, but you’ll also have opportunities to relax and get to know your industry peers. Join us for traditional Mexican food, drinks, and a live performance by Mariachi Alma de Jalisco at our Preconference Mixer Sunday evening, the Monday happy hour reception sponsored by Food Safety Net Services, and the one-hour narrated Go Rio River Cruise Wednesday afternoon, an unforgettable way to experience the world-famous San Antonio River Walk. Admission to all activities is included in the registration fee.

To learn more about the program and registration, click here. We hope to see you in Texas!