Study confirms significantly fewer germs on “Bacterlon®” treated surfaces in AWO Senior Centre
Nalbach. The Saarland-based company nanopool has developed a method to “enhance” germ-prone surfaces in nursing homes with an ultra-thin glass film. This could offer better protection against infectious diseases for weakened people. The results of a microbiological study at the AWO Senior Residence Primsmühle in Nalbach are promising: the number of pathogens on surfaces previously treated with nanopool’s “Bacterlon®” product, such as floors, furniture, door handles, light switches, or handrails, was significantly reduced, in some cases by up to 95%.
“Infections are of particular significance in nursing homes,” said Saskia Schwindt of nanopool at the presentation of the study. The communal living environment always poses a risk for the transmission of germs and infections. “This usually doesn’t affect a healthy person, but it can lead to a risk of illness in case of older or weaker persons.” Moreover, the number of persistent germs such as MRSA continues to rise. The Norovirus, which frequently affects nursing homes in autumn and winter, is also a hazard. On door handles, upholstery, or other surfaces, these small viruses can survive for up to six weeks. “That’s why it’s very important to prevent the settlement of bacteria at an early stage, so they cannot multiply.”
This insight prompted the AWO State Association Saarland to take an innovative step. Inspired by the initiative of Saarland’s Minister of Health, Georg Weisweiler, to combat the MRSA pathogen, they agreed to start a test with nanopool in the Nalbach Senior Residence. “We wanted to see if it was possible to further improve our hygiene measures with the help of nanopool,” said Paul Quirin, Chairman of AWO State Association Saarland.
In the spring, numerous surfaces at the Senior Residence were treated by certified nanotechnicians with “Bacterlon®“. Initial so-called swab tests were encouraging: the germ load on the treated surfaces had almost halved, although the cleaning staff – as prescribed by nanopool – only used warm water for cleaning. Now, it was time to gain clear assurance. For twelve weeks, from the beginning of September to the beginning of December, everything was systematically checked at regular intervals and samples were analysed in the laboratory, professionally overseen by independent microbiologists.
“The results of the study have met our expectations,” Saskia Schwindt is pleased to report. With these experiences, nanopool can now also make a name for itself elsewhere. The innovative product of the company, which operates throughout Europe, is used in hospitals in England and also in SHG Clinics.
For AWO Administrative Director Wolfgang Hermann, the benefits are clear. “The residents of the Senior Residence stay healthy longer and, consequently, need to go to the hospital less often.” And a few percent could be saved on cleaning product costs.
AWO is now considering implementing the Bacterlon® technology in other senior homes as well.
