The Three Ds Of Infection Control

Building managers, especially in healthcare, education, and the foodservice industry, are learning quite a bit about hidden pathogens as a result of new imaging technologies now available in North America. 

Essentially, these systems create a map, indicating where pathogens are located on a surface and in what amounts. With this learning, what has evolved is the "3Ds" of cleaning to help prevent the spread of infection, according to a press release from infection prevention technology company, Optisolve.

“The 3Ds refer to the three key challenges building managers must address to help ensure building users stay healthy, says Optisolve CEO Brad Evans.

According to Evans, the 3Ds refer to the following:

Detection 

The first step in keeping building users healthy is finding where health-risking pathogens are located. 

Disinfect 

Once located, these surfaces must be cleaned first, then disinfected. 

"As with ATP monitors, imaging technologies cannot determine what pathogens are present,” says Evans. “As a result, 'broad range' or 'broad spectrum' disinfectants that kill a variety of pathogens should always be used."

Discuss 

If pathogens are located on one window ledge, for instance, in a school classroom, this information must be discussed and shared with school administrators and all cleaning professionals in the facility.

"Unfortunately, when imaging technologies point out a potentially contaminated surface, administrators and cleaning professionals often believe the problem is confined to that specific area,” says Evans. “In many cases, however, if one specific area is contaminated, we find the same problem in similar areas throughout the facility."