Akron children's hospital case study

Over our many years in business, we've been fortunate to work with a wide range of different clientele in both private and public sectors. One of our most rewarding experiences to date was working with Akron Children’s Hospital on a Qualitative/Quantitative Case Study to determine the optimum approach to reducing pathogenic load in flight helmets. The results of this scientifically controlled study were staggering.

Background

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has a Registered Nurse Exchange Program that advances healthcare for children "through innovative research". In support of this program, Williams® Direct Dryers was contacted by a participating Nurse serving at Akron Children's Hospital. She was concerned about possible cross contamination of bacteria through flight helmets used when transferring patients by helicopter.

Study Overview

A study conducted over a 13-month period evaluated the type and quantity of bacteria growing within flight helmets. The purpose was to create the data from which implementation of an evidence based cleaning regime could be established. The test results found 9 varieties of pathogens populating flight helmets. These microbes included varieties capable of a wide variety of very obnoxious diseases. However, interestingly, included in this toxic mix was Micrococcus luteus which is well known for its role in transforming human sweat into an unpleasant odor common in locker room environments.

What did they discover?

After cleaning the flight helmets as per manufacturer's recommendations and drying with a Williams® Direct Dryer there was an 82% reduction in microbe quantities and a 77% reduction is microbe varieties.

What else did they discover?

The next step was to test the efficiency of the Direct Drying protocol which suggest a continuous drying regime to eliminate moisture right to the microscopic level of the fabric. The results showed a significant improvement with a 99.95% reduction in microbe quantities.

What does this mean to you?

M luteus is like the canary in mine. If your apparel smells then there is every likelihood of 8 other pesky microbe varieties viewing you as their next home. This is especially significant with MRSA now found not only in hospitals but sports locker rooms. As a result, for your personal safety you should never wear or play in continuously wet gear.

For more details, read the full report here

 

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