Fluorescent Marking Gel for Cleaning Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning and disinfection practices in hospitals are inadequate for effectively controlling nosocomial infections caused by pathogens like MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile, as they lack a reliable method to assess the thoroughness of surface cleaning, which is crucial for reducing environmental transmission of infections.
Innovation Solution
A composition containing a fluorescing optical brightener is applied to surfaces, which can be measured after cleaning using UV radiation to determine if it has been properly removed, allowing for a non-microbiological evaluation of cleaning efficacy and providing a kit with an applicator and blacklight for monitoring surface cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cleaning and disinfection practices are used, then cleaning activities can be performed, but there is no reliable method to assess the thoroughness of surface cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent markers that change visibility under UV light to surfaces, allowing cleaners to visually assess whether surfaces have been properly cleaned. The fluorescent substance is applied to surfaces before cleaning, and after cleaning, UV light reveals any remaining fluorescence indicating incomplete cleaning, thus providing visual feedback on cleaning thoroughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent markers as an intermediary substance between the cleaning process and the assessment process. These markers are applied to surfaces, undergo the cleaning process, and then serve as indicators of cleaning effectiveness when viewed under UV light, mediating the connection between cleaning actions and evaluation outcomes.
2Reliability
If fluorescent markers are applied to surfaces for cleaning assessment, then cleaning thoroughness can be objectively measured, but additional materials and procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable fluorescent marker applications on surfaces rather than permanent or reusable monitoring systems. The fluorescent substance is applied, serves its purpose for assessment, and then can be cleaned away, providing a simple, low-cost, single-use solution that avoids complex reusable infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic monitoring systems with a simple optical detection method using fluorescent markers and UV light. Instead of using sensors, cameras, or automated inspection systems, the solution uses basic fluorescence properties that can be detected with simple UV lamps, significantly reducing system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If comprehensive surface cleaning is performed to reduce pathogen transmission, then infection control improves, but cleaning time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where fluorescent markers provide immediate visual information about cleaning effectiveness. Cleaners can see under UV light which areas have been properly cleaned and which need attention, allowing them to adjust their cleaning efforts in real-time and avoid wasting time on already-cleaned areas while ensuring thorough cleaning of missed spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows cleaners to focus their efforts on areas that show remaining fluorescence under UV light, rather than uniformly cleaning all surfaces. This partial action approach targets only the areas that need additional cleaning attention, reducing overall cleaning time while maintaining effectiveness in critical areas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables timely and objective assessment of cleaning quality, identifying areas that may harbor pathogens and facilitating targeted remediation efforts to reduce pathogen levels, thereby enhancing infection control in healthcare settings.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosed compositions contain a fluorescing optical brightener that can be applied to a surface as a cleaning audit indicator
Implementation Method 2
a solublizer which serves to solubilize the optical brightener and assists with the removal of the optical brightener from a surface
Data Source
AI summary
Fluorescing compositions are disclosed for monitoring cleaning of a surface. The fluorescing compositions are stable, fluoresce under UV light, and do not leave a mark after drying and removal. The compositions include an optical brightener solubilized with cyclodextrin.