DISINFACTS ISSUE 01/2026 15 Years HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER
EDITORIAL 03 FORUM HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER Symposium 2026 08 15 Years HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER 10 Working together for World Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May 14 HARTMANN at DKOU 2025 16 DISINFACTS magazine and newsletter 22 KNOWLEDGE Current challenges and developments Infection prevention in dialysis 05 Caution: germ transmission! 17 Sterillium® pure approved according to BPR 18 Surface disinfection for C. auris 19 PRACTISE Surface disinfectant wipes: New product variants with sustainable wipe material 06 ECHA recommendation on ethanol 15 When standard precaution measures are not enough 20 STUDIES Hand hygiene in functional units of hospitals 04 Content 2
Editorial DISINFACTS 1|2026 Dr. Heide Niesalla Dear readers, The challenges of everyday working life are constantly increasing: regulations are changing, new issues are emerging, and decisions often have to be made under time pressure. This makes reliable guidance all the more important. For 15 years, the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER has seen itself as such a partner for disinfection and infection control. Founded as the BODE SCIENCE CENTER, the centre of excellence has been supporting healthcare professionals for five years under the name HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER. In this issue of DISINFACTS, we invite you to take a look behind the scenes and, at the same time, look ahead: How do we work? And how is the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER website evolving? We also look back at the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER Symposium 2026, ‘Advancing hygiene with progress and responsibility’. The symposium highlighted the issues currently facing hygiene managers – and how important the continuous exchange between science and practice is. Further articles focus on the responsible advancement of infection control. For instance, in February 2026, the Biocidal Products Committee of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommended that ethanol can continue to be used without restriction in hand and surface disinfectants. This ensures that a proven active ingredient remains available for hygiene practice, the external use of which is considered safe when handled correctly. We also report on regulatory developments: the hand disinfectant Sterillium® pure has received authorisation under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation and thus meets the applicable European requirements for efficacy, safety, and environmental compatibility. Your Dr. Heide Niesalla, Head of HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER 3
STUDIES Data collection from endoscopy to the emergency room The HH data comes from five functional units: endoscopy/ sonography (internal medicine), endoscopy (urology), delivery room, operating room and emergency room/surgical outpatient clinic. Transponders were used to differentiate between medical and nursing staff, midwives and functional areas. Both pandemic effects and the influence of feedback interventions on volumes per hand disinfection were analysed [2]. Occupational groups and functional units: How volumes varied Overall, volumes per hand disinfection varied between occupational groups and functional units. Medical staff in urological endoscopy used the largest amount of rub per disinfection, while the least was used in internal medicine imaging [2]. COVID-19 pandemic had a greater impact on volumes than interventions The COVID-19 waves had a significant impact on volumes per hand disinfection: at the start of the pandemic, the median values per hand disinfection rose while variability decreased. After a decline, they only increased again with the autumn wave of 2021 – and remained above the initial level post-pandemic. Of 147 ward-based feedback interventions, however, only four showed significant effects on HH behaviour in the functional units [2]. Team training as a potential success factor The study also found that healthcare professionals with similar tasks or who worked closely together developed similar hand disinfection consumption patterns. This suggests that employees could benefit from team-based HH training [2]. Numerous studies have examined the relationship between hand hygiene (HH) and healthcare-associated infections, but most focus on compliance with the „5 moments“ [1] and the quantity of hand disinfections in wards. HH quality and compliance in functional units – where invasive procedures with a particularly high risk of infection take place – are often neglected. However, it is not only the frequency but also the effectiveness of hand disinfection that is crucial. A recent study used the NosoEx® electronic monitoring system to collect HH data from functional units in a German hospital over a period of almost four years, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The volume per hand disinfection [2] was used as an indicator of HH quality. Hand hygiene in functional units of hospitals Quality vs. quantity: It‘s not just about the quantity References 1. WHO (2009). WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241597906 (accessed on 17 February 2026) 2. Senges C et al. (2026) J Hosp Infect 167: 170-180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2025.10.017 Figure based on [2]. Median hand disinfectant quantities per disinfection in functional units by occupational groups. Box-whisker plots: whiskers for minimum/maximum of the 95% confidence interval, boxes for 1st/3rd quartile, lines in boxes for median, points for outliers. HD = hand disinfection Kreißsaal 1 2 3 4 5 Volumen pro Desinfektion [mL] Endoskopie Urologie 1 2 3 4 5 Volumen pro Desinfektion [mL] Endoskopie/Sonographie Innere Medizin 1 2 3 4 5 Volumen pro Desinfektion [mL] OP 1 2 3 4 5 Volumen pro Desinfektion [mL] Ambulante chirurgische Klinik 1 2 3 4 5 Volumen pro Desinfektion [mL] Pflegekräfte Ärzte Hebammen 1.62 1.96 2.02 2.18 2.63 2.66 2.71 3.41 2.44 2.56 2.92 2.96 Endoscopy/Sonography Internal Medicine Volume per disinfection [mL] Volume per disinfection [mL] Volume per disinfection [mL] Volume per disinfection [mL] Volume per disinfection [mL] OR Endoscopy Urology Outpatient Surgical Clinic Delivery room Caregivers Doctors Midwives 4
Current challenges and developments Infection prevention in dialysis The global incidence of kidney failure requiring dialysis is steadily rising. Over 3.5 million people worldwide, including approximately 540,000 in the United States, undergo maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis to manage chronic kidney failure [1]. Dialysis is a life-saving therapy and carries a significant risk as dialysis patients have a weakened immune system and require regular vascular access, making them highly susceptible to infection. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in particular are a major driver of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs [2]. Therefore, infection prevention and improving patient care are highly relevant [2-4]. Especially multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) and pathogens that require special hygiene measures, such as Clostridioides difficile, pose a growing threat in the outpatient dialysis sector [5-8]. MRGN and C. difficile require special hygiene measures C. difficile infections are the most important spore-caused healthcareassociated infections in EU [12]. Dialysis patients have a 2 to 2.5 times higher risk of C. difficile infection – with serious consequences: their mortaReferences: 1. Flythe JE, Watnick S (2024) Dialysis for Chronic Kidney Failure: A Review. 12;332(18):1559-1573. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.16338. PMID: 39356511. 2. Fisher M et al. (2019) Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 15(1): 132–151. 3. Rayner H et al. (2004) Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 19(1): 108–120. 4. Boyce J (2012) Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 33(9): 936–944. 5. Epidemiological Bulletin 20/21/2025 (2025) Report by the NRZ on Gram-negative hospital pathogens 2024. https://www.rki.de/DE/Aktuelles/Publikationen/ Epidemiologisches-Bulletin/2025/20-21_25.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4 (accessed on 07.02.2026) 6. KRINKO (2012) Bundesgesundheitsbl 55(10): 1311–1354. 7. KRINKO (2019) Bundesgesundheitsbl 62: 906–923. 8. Chitnis et al. (2013) JAMA Intern Med 173(14): 1359-1367. 9. D’Agata E et al. (2021) Kidney Int 99(5): 1045–1053. 10.Zacharioudakis et al. (2015) Am J Kidney Dis 65(1): 88-97. 11. Calfee (2015) Am J Kidney Dis 65(1):3-5. 12. Zacharioudakis et al.(2014) J Am Soc Nephrol 25(9):2131-2141. 13. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) (2024) Point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in European acute care hospitals, 2022-2023. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/PPS-HAI-AMR-acute-care-europe-2022-2023 (accessed on 07.02.2026) 14. German Society of Nephrology (ed.). Guideline on infection prevention and hygiene 2019 as a supplement to the dialysis standard. https://www.dgfn.eu/dialysestandard.html?file=files/content/leitlinien/hygieneleitlinie/20200127_LL-Hygiene-Einzelseiten.pdf lity rate in the event of infection is twice as high as that of the general population [9]. In a meta-analysis of 23 studies, Zacharioudakis et al. found that the prevalence of Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonisation among dialysis patients is 6.2%. However, it is not only VRE that poses an increased risk to dialysis patients; other MDROs do, too. A separate meta-analysis by the same group showed that the prevalence of MRSA colonisation among dialysis patients was equal to that of VRE. In his editorial, David Calfee likens the situation with MDROs to the ‘perfect storm‘ of 1991. At that time, three atmospheric conditions created the ideal conditions for this storm. In dialysis, it is epidemiological factors that create optimal conditions for morbidity and mortality related to infection. These factors include frequent antibiotic use, invasive procedures, and immune deficiency [10-12]. MDROs and C. difficile are increasingly emerging as significant challenges in outpatient dialysis settings. Ensuring proper hand and surface hygiene, along with the consistent use of gloves, remains essential for preventing infections [14]. Hygiene measures at a glance For further information, please see our poster on hygiene measures during dialysis: https://hartmannsciencecenter.com/p3DuHU Before each indication and for every new patient: disinfect your hands and don gloves, when necessary!* Follow guidance on patient-related glove use. Hygiene during dialysis * Medical disposable gloves 3ml 30 s Hygienic hand disinfection Preparing i.v. medication/ infusions Injecting i.v. medication Punctures Connecting/disconnecting the patient Handlingshunt/catheter/ tubing system Changing dressings Examples of aseptic tasks BEFORE BEFORE AFTER AFTER AFTER patient contact aseptic tasks contact with potentially infectious materials patient contact contact with the immediate patient environment Surface disinfection Ensure complete wetting of surfaces. Follow contact times! starting dialysis preparing medications catering visible contamination ending dialysis BEFORE AFTER BEFORE BEFORE AFTER AFTER Wipe disinfection of work surfaces and all contact surfaces Preparation of i.v. medication/infusions Catering for patients Visible contamination of work and contact surfaces 221 local access site infections Vor jeder neuen Indikation und jedem Patientenwechsel gilt: Händedesinfektion und ggf. Handschuhe!* Handschuhe patientenbezogen und indikationsgerecht verwenden. Hygiene bei der Dialyse * Medizinische Einmalhandschuhe 3ml 30 s Hygienische Händedesinfektion Vorbereitung von i.v. Medikamenten/ Infusionen Zuspritzen von i.v. Medikamenten Punktionen Konnektion/ Diskonnektion Dialysegerät Arbeiten am Shunt/Katheter/ Schlauchsystem Verbandwechsel Beispiele für aseptische Tätigkeiten VOR VOR NACH NACH NACH Patientenkontakt aseptischen Tätigkeiten Kontakt mit potenziell infektiösen Erregern Patientenkontakt Kontakt mit der direkten Patientenumgebung Flächendesinfektion Flächen vollständig benetzen. Einwirkzeiten beachten! Beginn der Dialyse der Vorbereitung von Medikamenten der Bewirtung sichtbarer Verschmutzung Ende der Dialyse VOR NACH VOR VOR NACH NACH Wischdesinfektion der Arbeitsfläche und aller Kontaktflächen Vorbereitung von i.v. Medikamenten/ Infusionen Bewirtung von Patienten Sichtbare Verschmutzung von Arbeits- und Kontaktflächen 439 intravenous antimicrobial starts Vor jeder neuen Indikation und jedem Patientenwechsel gilt: Händedesinfektion und ggf. Handschuhe!* Handschuhe patientenbezogen und indikationsgerecht verwenden. * Medizinische Einmalhandschuhe Vorbereitung von i.v. Medikamenten/ Infusionen Zuspritzen von i.v. Medikamenten Punktionen Konnektion/ Diskonnektion Dialysegerät Arbeiten am Shunt/Katheter/ Schlauchsystem Verbandwechse Beispiele für aseptische Tätigkeiten NACH NACH Patientenkontakt Kontakt mit der direkten Patientenumgebung Flächendesinfektion Flächen vollständig ben Einwirkzeiten beachten Beginn der Dialyse der Vorbereitung von Medikamenten der Bewirtung sichtbarer Verschmutzung Ende der Dialyse VOR NACH VOR VOR NACH NACH Wischdesinfektion der Arbeitsfläche und aller Kontaktflächen Vorbereitung von i.v. Medikamenten/ Infusionen Bewirtung von Patienten Sichtbare Verschmutzung von Arbeits- und Kontaktflächen 63 bloodstream infections 723 DAIEs In total, 43 outpatient dialysis facilities reported 723 dialysis-associated infection events (DAIE), including 63 bloodstream infections, 439 intravenous antimicrobial starts, and 221 local access site infections. KNOWLEDGE 5
PRACTICE Surface disinfectant wipes New product variants with sustainable wipe material The switch to cellulose-based, pre-soaked disinfectant wipes offers numerous advantages: Pre-soaked disinfectant wipes in flow pack packaging are ready to use, saving valuable time in everyday clinical practice. Above all, however, the use of cellulose-based fibre materials benefits the environment. Not only does it save enormous amounts of plastic, thereby reducing the amount of plastic waste and microplastics, it also lowers the CO2 footprint of the disinfection and hygiene measures necessary in everyday nursing and clinical practice: In 2022 – when disinfection wipes in medical facilities were still almost exclusively based on plastic wipe fibres – this alone resulted in approximately 1,800 tonnes of waste in German hospitals. Good ideas spread: the well-known Bacillol® 30 Sensitive Tissues, in the 24-pack flow pack that is popular with many users are now available in a ‘green‘ cellulose-based version. HARTMANN is once again expanding its range of sustainable surface disinfection products for professional use. Cellulose-based disinfectant wipes offer a clear environmental advantage. Microplastics from plastic wipes remain in the environment and can even end up in organisms. Microparticles from cellulose fibres, on the other hand, do not accumulate. Cellulose also causes significantly fewer toxic emissions than petroleum-based plastics when incinerated, making cellulose-based wipes a noticeable contribution to reducing environmental pollution from harmful substances. Advantageous material properties The product properties of the new fibres also offer practical advantages: in cellulose-based wipe fibres the disinfectant liquid (the impregnation) is distributed more evenly throughout the stacks of wipes in the flow packs: the surface coverage and disinfection efficacy is therefore more similar from the first (top) to the last (bottom) wipe. Another advantage is the tear resistance that high-quality cellulose-based fibres can achieve: the Lyocell fibres used by HARTMANN are similarly tear-resistant to PET fibres. They can therefore be used on rough or textured surfaces such as patient beds without fraying and leaving behind small fibre residues. 1,800 tonnes of waste based on plastic wipe fibres 2022: 6
PRACTICE Even more: sustainable wipes from HARTMANN The new Bacillol® 30 Sensitive Green Tissues are an addition to HARTMANN‘s range of sustainable surface disinfection products, which has been growing for years: back in 2023, HARTMANN launched Bacillol® Zero Tissues, the disinfectant wipes to use sustainable cellulose fibres. Compact for professionals: Bacillol® 30 Sensitive Green Tissues Bacillol® 30 Sensitive Green Tissues are primarily intended for the cleaning and disinfection of surfaces of non-invasive medical devices. They can also be used in commercial kitchens and food areas – or for disinfecting sensitive surfaces made of polycarbonate (PC), acrylic glass (PMMA), polysulphone or imitation leather. With the new ‘Small Pack‘ containing 24 wipes, Bacillol® 30 Sensitive Green Tissues are now available in four variants: as a normal pack (with 120 wipes), in a ‘Small Pack‘, in a ‘Big Pack‘ (160 wipes) and as extra-large XL wipes for larger areas (80 wipes/pack). Sustainability at a Glance: New Report aligned with ESRS Sustainability criteria are becoming increasingly important when selecting partners and products in healthcare. The HARTMANN GROUP has therefore published its 2025 Sustainability Report, for the first time aligned with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the corresponding European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The report illustrates how HARTMANN actively embraces its responsibilities for the environment, society and corporate governance, and highlights the progress achieved in these areas. Key highlights at a glance: • Reduction of CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and 2): 11% decrease compared to the previous year • Product innovations: Use of biodegradable materials and CO₂‑reduced packaging solutions • Enhanced safety culture: Further development of health and safety standards to ensure a healthy and safe working environment Read the full report here: 7
FORUM HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER Symposium 2026 ‘Advancing hygiene with progress and responsibility‘ One of the 12 experts invited by the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER to its online anniversary symposium at the end of May was Prof. Dr Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, a renowned virologist from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg. The experts presented to the participants practical, scientifically sound knowledge on current issues in hygiene and infection control. From auris to Zika – from outbreak to solution The first of the symposium’s three sessions focused on the management of pathogen outbreaks, from auris to Zika — from outbreak to solution. Dr Erta Kalanxhi from the One Health Trust in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) began by highlighting global issues. She spoke about the influence of climate change on the development of antimicrobial resistance. Tropical disease expert Schmidt-Chanasit then discussed the potential danger posed by arboviruses in our regions (‘Arboviruses in Europe: Climate change, modelling, and infection prevention and control’). Franz Gnandt (Health Centre Dielsdorf) then provided practical insights into managing norovirus outbreaks in long-term care facilities. He demonstrated how to effectively contain outbreaks and ensure smooth daily care operations using concrete strategies and experiences. Dr Marco Krewing (HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER) concluded the session with his presentation, ‘Clostridioides difficile – the final boss of infection control?‘ How does climate change influence antimicrobial resistance? How can epidemics be prevented? What role do hygiene measures play? These and many other questions were addressed by the speakers at this year‘s HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER symposium in Hamburg. Celine Bagban Dr. Erta Kalanxhi Prof. Dr. Johannes Knobloch The Speakers: Dr. Konstantin Altrichter Dr. Viktoria Kolbe Franz Gnandt 8
FORUM Potential for improvement in hygiene The topics of the next session included optimizing hand hygiene and innovative approaches to hand and surface hygiene. Dr Christoph Senges (HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER) demonstrated in his presentation how surgical site infections can be automatically identified from routine data using an intelligent algorithm, making infection surveillance in hospitals more efficient. Next to take the floor was Peter Möri, an expert in infection prevention and hospital hygiene at the State Hospital Zurich, who spoke on the topic of ‘Medical disposable gloves – When routine replaces decision-making. A shift in perspective in clinical practice‘. Next, Dr Viktoria Kolbe (HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER) presented the results of a simulation study by NOTIS e.V., which examined the durability of disinfected medical examination gloves following BLS and ACLS simulations. In ‘Invisible no more – Social media strategies to empower cleaning staff‘, Celine Bagban (Bogdol Gebäudemanagement Practical: Watch and listen to everything NOW! The HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER Symposium is aimed at infection prevention specialists (IPC), IPC nurses, quality assurance staff, nursing service and operating theatre managers, and anyone interested in hygiene, disinfection, and infection prevention measures. Free participation was possible digitally via live stream – in German and English. If you did not have the opportunity to follow this year‘s event, entitled ‚Advancing hygiene with progress and responsibility‘, live, you can watch all the presentations at any time: https://www.hartmann-science-center.com/en/topissues/events/hsc-symposium-2026 Handschuhe an! Wann medizinische Einmalhandschuhe erforderlich sind Zum Schutz vor potenziell pathogenen Krankheitserregern Bitte beachten: Wann? Warum? Direkter Patientenkontakt Indirekter Patientenkontakt Blutentnahme Umgang mit nicht-intakter Haut Kontakt mit Sekreten Anwesenheit hoch infektiöser Pathogene Ausscheidungen/ Körperflüssigkeiten Handschuhe sind nötig, wenn das Risiko einer hohen Exposition mit Blut, Körperflüssigkeiten, Sekreten, Ausscheidungen oder kontaminierter Umgebung besteht. Bei Keimverschleppung durch Perforation und/oder Kontamination der Handschuhe ist ein Wechsel der Handschuhe indiziert. Handschuhtragen ersetzt nicht die Händedesinfektion. Handschuhkontakt mit dem eigenen Gesicht/Haar vermeiden. 1 2 3 Umgang mit endokavitären Sonden Reinigung/Desinfektion kontaminierter Oberflächen* Umgang mit infektiösem Material/Chemikalien* Umgang mit med. Abfall* Unnötiges Handschuhtragen ... Weitere Tätigkeiten: Blutzuckermessung, Platzieren nicht-invasiver Beatmungsgeräte und der Sauerstoffkanüle, Patienten baden, ankleiden, waschen*, eincremen*, kämmen, rasieren, Patientenpositionierung, Pflege von Augen/Ohren (ohne Sekrete), Gefäßmanipulationen (ohne Blutfluss), Verteilen/Einsammeln von Essenstabletts, orale Medikamentengabe, Bettwäschewechsel/Bettenrichten u.a. *ausgenommen Anogenitalregion sowie antimikrobielle Waschungen Quellen: 1. RKI, Epid Bull 2024;10:6-9. 2. WHO (2009) Glove Use Information Leaflet. 3. Fuller et al. (2011) ICHE, 32(12):1194-9. Handschuhe aus! Wann medizinische Einmalhandschuhe nicht erforderlich sind Wann nicht? Handschuhe sind nicht zwingend nötig, wenn kein Risiko einer hohen Exposition mit Blut, Körperflüssigkeiten, Sekreten, Ausscheidungen oder kontaminierter Umgebung besteht. Warum nicht? Direkter Patientenkontakt Otoskopie Verabreichung i.d., s.c. und i.m. Injektionen (z. B. Impfen) Patientenwaschung* Auskultation Messung von Blutdruck, Temperatur, Puls ... verschlechtert die Händehygiene Compliance und trägt so zur Verbreitung nosokomialer Infektionen bei. ... verschlechtert die zwischenmenschliche Beziehung. 1 2 ... führt zu Hautschäden durch feuchte Kammern. 3 ... erhöht das Aufkommen von überflüssigem Abfall. 4 Weitere Tätigkeiten: Epidemie oder Notfallsituation, PVK-Anlage und -Entfernung, Absaugen nicht-geschlossener Endotrachealschlauch-Systeme u.a. *Chemikalienbeständigkeit getestet nach EN ISO 374-1 und -2, EN ISO 374-4 und -5, EN 16523-1, ausgewiesen als Personal Protective Equipment nach PPE Regulation (EU) 216/425 und EN ISO 21420. Quellen: 1. RKI, Epid Bull 2024;10:6-9. 2. WHO (2009) Glove Use Information Leaflet. Indirekter Patientenkontakt Anreichen von Essen/ Getränken Dokumentations- aufgaben Bewegen von Patientenbetten Bedienung elektronischer Geräte Rollstuhl schieben Hinweis: PPE-Verordnung beachten. Recordings now available! GmbH, Hamburg) demonstrated how social media can support the work and image of cleaning staff. New approaches to infection prevention In the final part of the event, Lucas Thummer, an infection prevention and hygiene expert from St. Johann District Hospital in Tirol, demonstrated the potential of artificial intelligence for infection prevention in clinical settings (‘From hand hygiene to timely surveillance support: AI-assisted HAI analysis in hospitals – On-Premise, GDPR-compliant, practice-oriented’). Dr Viktoria Kolbe (HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER) presented the ‚Requirements for modern alcohol-based hand rubs‘. Prof Dr Johannes Knobloch from the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf provided practical insights into how the Phase 3 testing methods for surface disinfection can approximate realworld application conditions. Dr Konstantin Altrichter, founder and physician at the medical device manufacturer daisygrip GmbH in Kavelstorf, then highlighted the hygiene challenges involved in the reprocessing of blood pressure cuffs. Dr. Christoph Senges Prof. Dr. Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit Lucas Thummer Dr. Marco Krewing Peter Möri 9
Today, the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER has established itself as one of the leading points of contact for hygiene managers in the healthcare sector and supports healthcare professionals in hospitals, outpatient facilities and public institutions by translating complex scientific findings into practical, applicable knowledge for everyday (clinical) practice. Effectively combining science and practice The HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER sees itself as a central interface between research, product development, and practice. Its key areas of focus include hand and surface disinfection, skin antiseptics, nosocomial infections, compliance barriers and the optimization of hygiene-related workflows in medicine and nursing. Support in exceptional situations plays a particular role. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear how important reliable expert guidance is. The HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER provided information on the correct use of disinfectants at an early stage. Through a combination of applied research and close collaboration with internal and external networks of experts, the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER ensures that hygiene knowledge is not only scientifically sound but also directly applicable in everyday practice. Close scientific collaborations and in-house studies At the heart of the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER’s work are close scientific collaborations with renowned research institutions, professional societies, and national and international experts in hospital hygiene and infection control. In addition, the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER conducts its own studies, surveys and analyses, thereby actively contributing to the generation of new scientific evidence. These findings form the basis for recommendations, standards and professional discourse within the hygiene community. ‘Thanks to our close collaboration with professional associations and renowned institutions in the field of clinical hygiene and infection prevention, we are always at the cutting edge of our field. This enables us to set standards and provide impetus, making a lasting contribution to improving infection control,’ says Dr Heide Niesalla, Head of the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER. Visual knowledge transfer: videos, posters, infographics The HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER makes targeted use of modern, digital communication formats to convey hygiene knowledge in a contemporary and accessible way. Videos play a central role in this, including short, concise ‘knowledge nuggets’ that present complex hygiene topics in an understandable and visual format. A constantly growing collection of expert videos is available on the HSC‘s own YouTube channel – covering topics such as hand and surface hygiene, disinfection standards and current challenges in infection control. This offering is complemented by visual educational resources such as posters and infographics, which present scientific content and regulatory guidelines in a way that is easy to understand for training and practical use. Many of these materials appear as supplements in the specialist journal DESINFACTS and are also available to download from the organization’s website FORUM 15 years of the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER A trusted partner in hygiene practice Founded in Hamburg 15 years ago, the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER has established itself as a scientific center of excellence for disinfection, hygiene, and infection prevention. Its mission has remained unchanged: to systematically improve patient safety and prevent infections based on robust scientific evidence. 90 conference contributions in the form of posters, presentations and symposia > 40 publications > 36 videos and Knowledge Nuggets > 10
FORUM Coming Soon - HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER Website 2.0: Quick search thanks to new filters Straight to the relevant information: The HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER website is getting a new look and a clearer menu structure. A new look is coming soon, featuring a much clearer menu structure and optimized filtering options. Thanks to the new structure, you will soon be able to find the content relevant to you even faster: up-to-date hygiene knowledge in the form of articles or downloadable materials on all major pathogens – clearly sorted by topic, target group or format. The central aim of our accessible website remains unchanged: the provision of sound knowledge for healthcare professionals. With the upcoming updates, the display of your search results will adapt dynamically to your filter settings – whether you’re looking for articles, scientific studies, white papers or posters. The glossary, the pathogen search function and all pathogen-specific information will also soon be available in a new, clearly structured layout. You will then be able to find answers to key questions at a glance: What type of pathogen is involved? How is it transmitted? What hygiene measures and personal protective equipment are required? What spectrum of activity must a disinfectant cover? This is supplemented by direct links to further specialist articles. Curious? Then do pop back soon – the new content and features will be available shortly at https://www.hartmann-science-center.com/en/ 110,000 customer enquiries > 57 issues of DISINFACTS since 2004 Issue 1/2016 DISINFACTS Reaching goals in a team: the path to the sure hygiene success. DISINFACTS ISSUE 01/2026 15 Years HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER DISINFACTS 1/2016 DISINFACTS 1/2026 or for printing, including pathogen posters with key information on transmission routes and hygiene measures. A current focus of this issue is the ‘Bare Below the Elbow’ poster, which highlights evidence-based recommendations for effective hand hygiene and infection prevention in clinical settings. The HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER provides information via its own website, specialist publications, newsletters, symposia and specialist events. In addition, a personal specialist advisory service is available. It offers support with questions regarding the application and material compatibility of disinfection products, as well as hygiene measures and other general topics relating to infection control. Looking ahead Hygiene and infection control will remain a key issue in the future. And although technologies, pathogens and communication channels are constantly evolving, one central challenge remains: the need for reliable, evidence-based hygiene knowledge. For the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER, this means continuing to work closely with healthcare practitioners, generating scientific evidence and translating this into understandable, accessible formats – today and in the future. 11
FORUM However, the knowledge generated at the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER does not flow in just one direction: the experts at the center – a team of biologists specialised in applied science, communication, training and expert consultancy – are always willing to listen to what might seem like ‘minor’ issues: ‘Since the COVID-19 pandemic, excessive glove consumption and, above all, the use of gloves where not indicated has been a major issue in many healthcare settings,’ says Dr Heide Niesalla, Head of the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER. ‘We therefore used International Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May 2025 to highlight the issue and provide information materials.’ The aim is to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about using gloves at the right time. ‘This exemplifies our approach: we identified a problem, gathered evidence and then considered how best to support people in practice.’ From practice for practice: this is how the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER works When it becomes apparent that there is an unresolved hygiene issue, the Applied Science Team takes charge of the technical research. This is often done in close cooperation with other departments at BODE Chemie GmbH, part of the HARTMANN GROUP, such as microbiology, product development, product management and marketing. The work is based on published studies, standards and guidelines, and in particular on close collaboration with external experts from the healthcare sector. In the next step, the results are presented in a way that best reaches potential users, for example as a publication in a specialist journal, a conference paper, a white paper, an infographic or a ‘Knowledge Nugget’ – a short, graphically animated piece of content that presents complex topics in a simple way and thus reaches its target audience primarily via social media. These knowledge formats are accompanied by reports across the various communication channels of the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER: the website, the newsletter, the magazine ‘DISINFACTS‘, conference papers, lectures, workshops, training courses, or via YouTube. The catalyst: 15 seconds for hand disinfection? One example of the impact of this work is the discussion regarding the rub-in time for hygienic hand disinfection: ‘The approval of hand disinfectants for hygienic hand disinfection is based on the EN 1500 standard. This requires efficacy to be tested within 30 seconds. In practice, however, hands are rubbed for significantly less time,‘ says Heide Niesalla, Head of the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER. ‘We were able to demonstrate that both an ethanol-based and a propanol-based formulation can meet the standard’s requirements in just 15 seconds – and in doing so, we sparked a discussion across the entire market.‘ The results were published and widely discussed. Subsequently, the Association for Applied Hygiene (VAH) initiated an interlaboratory test. The conclusion was that testing in accordance with EN 1500 is also methodologically possible in just 15 seconds! The HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER study provides the scientific basis for a possible amendment to the standard. The company is also driving innovation in the field of sustainability. One example was the launch of the Bacillol® Zero Tissues, a surface disinfectant wipe, which combines a sustainable cellulose15 years of the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER Scientifically sound. Practical to use. How much disinfectant concentrate is needed to prepare three litres of a 0.75% working solution? The ‘Concentrate Calculator’ on the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER website provides the answer in seconds: in this case, it is 22.5 ml! This example illustrates the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER’s approach: hygiene knowledge should be practical, understandable and applicable in everyday life, in order to effectively protect patients and healthcare staff from infectious agents and to use resources sensibly. Gloves on! When medical disposable gloves are required To protect against potentially pathogenic microorganisms Please note: When? Why? Direct patient contact Indirect patient contact Blood sampling Handling non-intact skin Contact with secretions Presence of highly infectious pathogens Excretions/body fluids Gloves are necessary if there is a risk of high exposure to blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions or contaminated environment. If there is cross-contamination due to perforation and/or contamination of gloves, a glove change is indicated. Wearing gloves does not replace hand disinfection. Avoid contact between gloves and your own face/hair. 1 2 3 Handling endocavitary probes Cleaning/disinfecting contaminated surfaces* Handling infectious material/chemicals* Handling medical waste* Unnecessary glove use … Additional indications: Blood sugar measurement, placement of non-invasive ventilation devices and oxygen cannulas, bathing/ dressing/washing*/applying lotion*/combing/shaving patients, positioning patients, care of eyes/ears (without secretions), vascular manipulations (without blood flow), distributing/collecting meal trays, oral medication administration, changing bed linen/arranging beds etc. *except for the anogenital region and antimicrobial washing Sources: 1. RKI, Epid Bull 2024;10:6-9. 2. WHO (2009) Glove Use Information Leaflet. 3. Fuller et al. (2011) ICHE, 32(12):1194-9. Gloves off! When medical disposable gloves are not required When not? Gloves are not strictly necessary if there is no risk of a high exposure to blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, or contaminated environment. Why not? Direct patient contact Otoscopy Administration of ID, SC, and IM injections (e.g. vaccinations) Patient washing* Auscultation Measuring blood pressure, temperature, pulse ... worsens hand hygiene compliance, thereby contributing to the spread of nosocomial infections. ... impairs interpersonal relationships. 1 2 ... leads to skin damage due to occlusion effect. 3 ... increases unnecessary waste production. 4 Additional indications: Epidemic or emergency situations, PVC placement and removal, suctioning non-sealed endotracheal tube systems, etc. *Chemical resistance tested according to EN ISO 374-1 and -2, EN ISO 374-4 and -5, EN16523-1, additional intended use as Personal Protective Equipment under PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and EN ISO 21420. Sources: 1. RKI, Epid Bull 2024;10:6-9. 2. WHO (2009) Glove Use Information Leaflet. Indirect patient contact Serving food/drinks Documentation tasks Moving patient beds Operating electronic devices Pushing wheelchairs Note: Follow PPE regulations. 12
FORUM based wipe, an organic acid-based active ingredient complex and recyclable mono-foil packaging. ‘The challenge for us was to demonstrate the benefits of the new carboxylic acid-based active ingredient complex and the advantages of a completely new product compared to established products on the market,‘ says Dr Heide Niesalla. How does the active ingredient complex work? What role does the wipe material play in the carbon footprint, and what impact does the packaging have on the environment and waste management? These questions are relevant to the user and have been systematically investigated and analyzed. The results of this work are the white papers ‘Sustainability in surface disinfection‘ and ‘Sustainable fibres put to the test‘, as well as presentations at national and international conferences, and a series of Knowledge Nuggets that were also shared on LinkedIn. Dr Heide Niesalla: ‘Using the example of the innovative Bacillol® Zero Tissues and the Bacillol® 30 Sensitive Green product family, which has been available since last year, we demonstrate in which areas of surface disinfection there is still scope for reducing CO₂ emissions and material usage, and what influence products have on sustainability in the healthcare sector.‘ Bacillol® Zero The Mode of Action Active agents in Bacillol® Zero What are organic acids? Organic acids are carbon-based molecules often exhibiting the chemical group -COOH, which is called carboxyl group. Organic acids lower the pH of a solution by splitting off protons (H+). What remains is called the anion of the acid: Acid Anion Benzoic acid › Benzoate + H+ Tartaric acid › Tartrate + H+ O O OH OH OH HO O O Na - + O O OH OH OH HO O O Na - + O O OH OH OH HO O O Na - + O O OH OH OH HO O O Na - + Sodium benzoate known from cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries known from grapes Tartaric acid Cell membrane Outside the cell Cell inside Benzoate - Benzoate - Benzoate - Tartrate - Tartaric acid H Benzoic acid H Benzoic acid H 1 Benzoate is charged and cannot pass the cell membrane. 2 Tartaric acid splits off protons which lower the pH; tartrate remains in the solution. 3 Benzoate takes an H+ and is then not charged any more. 5 The concentration of protons in the cell is lower, thus, benzoic acid splits off its proton again and becomes benzoate. 4 As uncharged molecule, benzoic acid can now pass the cell membrane. 6 The charged benzoate cannot exit the cell. H + H + H + H + H + H + H + H + H + H + Perforation Pores are formed in the membrane. Energy loss (1) The cells consume energy to repair the damage. (2) Energy generation is disturbed. Internal cell pressure rises Due to osmosis, water streams into the cell. Protein denaturation Proteins lose their structure and aggregate. Benzoate and H+ together inactivate the cell from the inside. Use surface disinfectants safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Please amend in accordance with local requirements (e.g. law of advertising, product status, CLP labelling). Bacillol® Zero More sustainability on all levels Secondary packaging • Fully recyclable. Foil packaging • For classical composite foil, several different plastics are inseparably welded together, thus, recycling is not possible. The new mono foil of Bacillol® Zero flowpacks consists of only one type of plastic and is fully recyclable. 1 CO2 emissions of the liquid formulation in a ready-to-use flowpack with 100 pre-soaked wipes. 2 Compared to a low-alcohol disinfectant. 3 If infection control and occupational safety protocols permit it. 4 Compared to a tissue made from PET of a low-alcohol surface disinfectant. 5 The fibre without the liquid formulation is compostable according to EN 13432. 6 PEFC licences: 06-33-92, 04-31-1610, and 04-31-2295. PEFC, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes. Use surface disinfectants safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Please amend in accordance with local requirements (e.g. law of advertising, product status, CLP labelling). Tissue material • In Bacillol® Zero flowpacks, a plastic-free, high-qualitiy non-woven cloth consisting of a wood-based regenerated fibre is used. • The tissue does not release microplastics. • The fibre is fully bio-degradable, and on top of that also compostable5. • PEFC certified6: The fibres come from sustainably managed forests. Formulation • No ingredient is classified as harmful, thus, Bacillol® Zero does not bear any hazard symbols or precautionary statements. • Toxicologically less harmful than conventional surface disinfectants according to Biocide Products Regulation (BPR). • Bacillol® Zero can be used without gloves3. That saves gloves and time. less CO2 emissions4 95% >98.5% bio-based only 43 g CO2 emission per flowpack1 92% less CO2 emission2 plastic-free 100% sustainable forest management 100% composite foil mono foil complex organic acid Sterillium® med and Sterillium® pure fulfill EN 1500 in 15 seconds Factsheet Background Procedure Hands are artificially contaminated with E. coli. 1 After drying, the finger tips are sampled (prevalue). 2 After disinfection, the finger tips are sampled again (postvalue). 4 While an increasing number of guidelines recommend 15-second application times, such as the US SHEA, which considers 15 seconds to be the minimum to achieve full coverage of the hands [5], not everyone supports a reduction from 30 seconds to 15 seconds. Reasons range from concerns that healthcare workers will spend even less time on hand disinfection to concerns about inadequate hand coverage, to the fact that EN 1500 currently does not support tests of less than 30 seconds. Either way, in the end everyone agrees that no compromises should be made when it comes to patient safety. The efficacy of alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) is evaluated using test norms such as EN 1500 for hygienic hand disinfection. For an ABHR to pass EN 1500, it must reproducibly inactivate bacteria on the hands of volunteers at least as effective as a reference alcohol. As these norms form the basis of claims, they influence recommendations and use of ABHRs in clinical practice. For example, a minimum 'rub-in' time of 30 seconds is often recommended in practice, as ABHRs are tested for at least 30 seconds in accordance with EN 1500. However, long rub-in times are often seen as a barrier to hand hygiene, resulting in healthcare workers skipping necessary disinfections to save time. In fact, studies where rub-in times have been reduced in practice show an increased frequency of hand disinfection [1]. However, studies investigating efficacy with shortened applications are often based on modified reference procedures, making it difficult to claim sufficient efficacy [2]. It was investigated, whether Sterillium® med and Sterillium® pure can meet the unmodified efficacy requirements of EN 1500 in 15 seconds instead of 30 seconds [3]. Results 4 3 2 1 0 log10 reduction reference (2x 3 mL isopropanol for 2x 30 sec) disinfectant with responsible application (15 sec) disinfectant with application acc. to EN 1500 (15 sec) 3 mL 5 mL Sterillium® med Sterillium® pure 3 mL 5 mL 3.33 3.20 3.17 3.16 3.25 3.33 3.17 3.27 Sterillium® med and Sterillium® pure reduced the microbial load on the fingers of 20 volunteers similarly to the unmodified reference, both with the rub-in technique described in EN 1500 and with the so-called “responsible rub-in technique”. The latter has no specific order or steps. It only requires that the hands should be completely covered, focusing on the fingertips and thumbs [4]. Both ABHRs therefore meet the unmodified efficacy requirements of EN 1500 in 15 seconds. Efficacy in reduction of bacteria on the hands is compared between reference and test product. 5 1 Kramer et al. (2017) Shortening the application time of alcohol-based hand rubs to 15 seconds may improve the frequency of hand antisepsis actions in a neonatal intensive care unit. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 38:1430-1434 2 Eggerstedt et al. (2018) Alcohol-based hand rubs must meet the requirements of EN 1500. Infect Control Hosp Epidemol. 39:1018 3 Mönch et al. (2024) Alcohol-based hand rubs can fulfil efficacy requirements of EN 1500 in 15 seconds. GMS Hyg Infect Control 19:Doc41 4 Kampf G et al. (2008) Influence of rub-in technique on required application time and hand coverage in hygienic hand disinfection. BMC Infect Dis 8:149 5 Glowicz JB et al. (2023) SHEA/IDSA/APIC Practice Recommendation: Strategies to prevent healthcare-associated infections through hand hygiene: 2022 Update. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 44:355–376 Disinfection with 2x 3 mL 60% isopropanol for 2x 30 s using a standardized rub-in technique. 3 2x 3 mL 2x 30 s Reference Sterillium® Disinfection in 15 s with 3 mL using ‘responsible rub-in technique’ or 5 mL using a standardized rub-in technique. 15 s 3 EN 1500 Controversy Conclusion References Both ethanolic Sterillium® med and propanolic Sterillium® pure meet the efficacy requirements for hygienic hand disinfection according to EN 1500 in 15 seconds. 3 mL 5 mL Use hand disinfectants safely. Always read the label and product information before use. 13
FORUM Working together for World Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May Safe hands in hospitals and outpatient care ‘Action saves lives‘ was the slogan chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO) for this year‘s World Hand Hygiene Day [1]. Under the motto ‘Taking action together: Safe hands in hospitals and outpatient care‘, HARTMANN supported the campaign by highlighting the importance of hand hygiene in preventing infections in all areas, hospitals and outpatient care. As outpatient care becomes more prevalent, invasive procedures, which carry an increased risk of infection, are being transferred to outpatient settings more frequently [2]. A study in outpatient dialysis centres shows that targeted measures are effective: multimodal interventions significantly increased hand hygiene compliance (HHC) and reduced dialysis-associated infection rates [3]. Regular training promotes good hand hygiene Numerous studies also demonstrate the importance of continuous training for achieving high HHC. One study, which lasted five years, showed that regular training with feedback maintains and further increases HHC in all occupational groups [4]. Another long-term study over seven years confirmed that systematic monitoring, feedback and corrective measures improve HHC in the long term [5]. In addition to training, key success factors for HHC appear to be personal goals, such as self-protection and the protection of others, and habit formation [6]. To support your ongoing training, the HARTMANN ACADEMY offers numerous courses on proper hand hygiene and many other topics. You can find our video series, ‘Hygiene in a nutshell‘, on the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER YouTube channel. These videos provide simple answers to hygiene terms and questions. HARTMANN products for effective and protective hand hygiene More information and materials on World Hand Hygiene Day can be found here: About the WHO campaign: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hand-hygiene-day/2026 For the HARTMANN campaign and our downloadable materials: https://www.hartmann-science-center.com/en/top-issues/campaign-days/world-handhygiene-day-2026 For webinars, e-learnings courses and training courses from the HARTMANN Academy: https://www.hartmann.info/en/learning-and-knowledge Video series ‘Hygiene i a nutshell‘ available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HARTMANNSCIENCECENTER References: 1. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hand-hygiene-day/world-hand-hygiene-day-2026 (accessed on 23 February 2026) 2. Kreutzberg A et al. (2024) Health Policy 140: 104968. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104968 3. Weikert B et al. (2024) Clin Microbiol Infect 30: 1147-1153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmi.2024.01.020 4. Hoffmann M et al. (2018) J Clin Nurs 28: 912-919. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14703 5. Yue J & Pan H (2025) Front Public Health 13: 1588336. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1588336 6. von Auer C et al.. (2024) PLoS One 19: e0315456. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0315456pdf Whether outpatient or inpatient: The Sterillium® product range, including Sterillium® pure, is suitable for all applications. Free from colorants and perfumes, Sterillium® pure is ideal for those with sensitive skin, asthma or atopic conditions. With the HARTMANN hand hygiene system, which includes skin tolerable washing lotions and hand disinfectants as well as protective care lotions and compatible surgical gloves, we are also addressing the growing demand for special skin protection combined with high effectiveness. 14
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