FORUM The low-drip foam is not only effective against bacteria, viruses and yeasts, but also contains an innovative skin care complex that nourishes the hands during disinfection. Loyal to its location: Sterillium® from Stellingen The site has not changed since 1964: ’Sterillium® is still manufactured by BODE in Hamburg-Stellingen. And it will stay that way: As recently as 2022, BODE invested around 12 million euros in a new production line there. This makes our production site for disinfectants one of the most modern in the world,‘ says Arne Roettger, Managing Director, BODE Chemie GmbH, a company of the HARTMANN GROUP. Being able to supply customers from Germany proved to be an advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, production was running around the clock and the normal volume was tripled overnight. Trucks delivered Sterillium® in large 1,000-litre intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) to customers, who refilled their empty Sterillium® bottles themselves. Conclusion: a fundamental change The fundamental change that the development of Sterillium® has brought about in the fight against nosocomial infections is illustrated by Professor Kalmár‘s recollection: ’At over 10%, the infection rate was relatively high in the mid-1960s; today it is much lower. Since 1965, there have been dispensers in the patient rooms, the corridors and in washrooms, and of course they have to be used.‘ EN 17430: Practical testing of virucidal efficacy for hygienic hand disinfection Hygienic hand disinfection is the most important measure for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections, and therefore the proven reduction of microorganisms on hands is essential for clinical practice. To demonstrate efficacy, disinfectants should ideally be tested under conditions as close to real-life use as possible and against a range of relevant pathogens. Until recently, there was only a step 1 test for virucidal efficacy: Step 1 (EN 14476): Quantitative suspension test for virucidal efficacy of a disinfectant. Here, a disinfectant is added to a virus suspension and, after a defined period of time, it is determined whether the disinfectant has sufficiently reduced the number of infectious viruses. In May 2024, with EN 17430 a step 2 test for virucidal hygienic hand disinfection was published, which is designed to demonstrate the efficacy of a disinfectant under conditions similar to those in clinical practice. With the publication of the new test standard, manufacturers now have 18 months to test products that are effective against viruses in accordance with EN 17430. For our Sterillium® products, we are working on incorporating the expert opinions according to EN 17430 into the national approvals. Find more detailed information here: https://www.hartmann-sciencecenter.com/en/hygiene-knowledge/ hand-hygiene/hand-disinfection/ en-17430 5
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