COVER STORY: Re-evaluating cleaning chemistries

The cost of reprocessing instruments is a topic that is not discussed enough. Everyone is aware of it and it should be discussed often in the field of infection prevention technologies. And the cost of ICC (instrument cleaning chemistries) is one of the main points of interest. With the rising cost of these products, will healthcare facilities re-evaluate their investment in ICC? It needs to be mentioned upfront that low-priced chemistries have short and long-term hidden costs. It is therefore very important to make an informed financial and long-term performance judgment when selecting a product.

Published studies regarding cost of ICC used in primary care AWD (automated washer-disinfectors) suggested that using different class priced ICC had equivalence in cleaning efficacy.¹ However, it should be highlighted that an ICC should have additional characteristics and benefits than just cleaning. Prolystica™ High Performance (HP) Cleaning Chemistries demonstrate such benefits including instrument compatibility and protection and reduction of unnecessary wear and tear in AWD. It is important that the complex chemical composition of the ICC is made with good quality ingredients capable of putting forward other benefits in addition to cleaning ability. Formulating a good composition requires detailed knowledge, not only on chemical ingredients but also on variables seen at the facility such as soil types, water quality, instrument materials, and resources. After adding appropriate ingredients and ensuring they are of good quality, ICC should be available at a reasonable cost.

But what is a reasonable cost?