At Bond University, Dr. Lotti Tajouri, an Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, conducted a comprehensive systematic review encompassing over 15 studies. His research revealed that approximately 45% of mobile phones carried the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
https://bond.edu.au/news/our-mobile-phones-are-covered-bacteria-and-viruses-and-we-never-wash-them
Mobile phones, although not typically included as a part of the hygiene standards in healthcare settings, are often found in pockets, left on workstations, or even in operation rooms. This practice can lead to cross-contamination and the spread of infections.
Mobile phones are often considered as personal belongings, and people tend to handle them with greater care and caution, including how they clean them. Offering a secure method for healthcare providers to clean phones contributes to providing patients with a safer healthcare environment.
At Hygiene of Sweden, we are committed to enhancing hygiene standards in the healthcare sector through the following initiatives:
- Pocket Sprays: Our antibacterial solution, BioPolymer+, is available for both hand hygiene and as a phone surface cleaner. It comes in a compact packaging that easily fits into any pocket. Its convenience and availability encourage regular use, promoting good hygiene habits.
- iPhone APP – “Clean Your Phone”: Originally developed before the COVID-19 pandemic, this app was designed to motivate children and iPad users to clean their devices regularly. The app displays virtual “germs” on the screen, which users must spray and wipe away to continue using their devices. It serves as a daily reminder to maintain cleanliness and safety. While the app temporarily took a back seat during the initial phases of the COVID-19 outbreak due to the increased emphasis on liquid hygiene solutions, we are planning to release a new version in 2024. This decision aligns with the return of hygiene standards to normal/low levels following the perceived end of the pandemic. Our focus will be on supporting healthcare providers in their efforts to enhance hygiene practices.
BioPocket – Clinic
Hand Hygiene – Perfume free, alcohol free, long lasting effect. EN1499, EN1500. Tested against Noro & Coronavirus.
BioPocket – Phone
Phone & Touch Screen – Perfume free, alcohol free, long lasting effect. EN1499, EN1500. Tested against Noro & Coronavirus.
A paradigm shift
Test protocols for disinfection standards focus on how fast a certain microbe is eliminated, but how long does the protection last?
A study conducted by RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden AB) at Sahlgrenska University Hospital shows that the formula is effective at 99,99% SARS-CoV-2 after 1 hour and 80 firm touches by a hand (simulated by an abrasion tester). Study available to download below.
Extended protection plays a crucial role, especially when dealing with surfaces that cannot be disinfected after every single contact. Additionally, from a sustainability standpoint, it’s important to question the use of products that offer only fleeting protection but require months of production, leading to excessive CO2 emissions. This disparity highlights the importance of embracing more environmentally friendly bioscience innovations like BioPolymer+.
To delve deeper into this topic, we invite you to explore our Environmental Product Declaration. Within it, we provide a comprehensive comparison between ethanol, the most commonly used substance in the healthcare industry for disinfection, and our advanced antibacterial technology, BioPolymer+. This comparison covers the entire lifecycle, from production to recycling, demonstrating the significant environmental advantages of our BioPolymer+ solution.
Why BioPolymer+ Differs from Alcohol-Based Solutions
Many of today’s antibacterial solutions rely on solvents or oxidative compounds, resulting in short-term effectiveness.
Alcohol, often used as a solvent in such solutions, can be problematic. High concentrations of alcohol can dissolve and impact the materials it comes into contact with, including our skin and phone screens. Depending on the frequency and quantity of use, this can have adverse effects.
Apple and other phone manufacturers have even advised against using high-concentration alcohol-based solutions on touch screens, as it could affect the sensitivity required for fingerprint recognition. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines were adjusted to permit the use of 70% alcohol solutions for phone maintenance. (Read more here) Nowadays, many alcohol-based products contain even higher alcohol percentages, often exceeding 80%, to effectively combat the virus. Choosing an alcohol-free solution eliminates these issues and provides long-term protection for your phone screen.
The use of high-concentration ethanol can have adverse effects on our skin. Although glycerin is often added as a moisturizer, it is soluble in water. Consequently, when you wash your hands with soap and water, the glycerin is removed, leading to dry skin. This can compromise an essential component of our immune system. Additionally, dry skin can create cracks where viruses and bacteria find it easier to reside.
BioPolymer+ was developed to address the above mentioned challenges. The formulation is a non solvent, non oxidizing solution that is pH adapted to the skin to be effective without damaging the skin. Read more about the details on the formulation at www.biopolymerplus.com
If you are a healthcare provider interested in conducting tests, need a reference list of hospitals, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at healthcare@hygieneofsweden.com.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Use disinfectants safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
Biocider ska användas på ett säkert sätt. Läs alltid igenom etiketten och produktinformationen före användningen.