September 2026
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Inside the September Issue |
Infection Control Procedures for Healthcare Facilities’ HVAC
When consistently implemented, hospital
infection-control strategies and engineering
controls, can be effective in
preventing opportunistic, environmentally related
infections in immunocompromised
patients and health-care workers.
These strategies include adherence to
proper use of disinfectants, proper maintenance
of medical equipment that uses water,
water-quality standards for hemodialysis, and
proper ventilation standards for specialized
care environments.
For an infection to occur, a chain of
components must be present. They include:
• Adequate number of pathogenic
organisms (dose);
• Pathogenic organisms of sufficient
virulence;
• A susceptible host;
• An appropriate mode of transmission or
transferal of the organism in sufficient
number from source to host;
• A portal of entry into the host.
The presence of the susceptible host underscores
the importance of the health-care
environment and opportunistic pathogens
in air and water. As a result of advances in
medical technology and therapies, more patients
are becoming immunocompromised
in the course of treatment and are therefore at increased risk for acquiring health-care
associated opportunistic infections.
Preventing infections in healthcare protects
the health and safety of personnel,
patients and visitors.
Architects, engineers, construction contractors,
environmental health scientists,
and industrial hygienists historically have
directed the design and function of a hospitals’
physical plants. Increasingly, however,
because of the growth in the number
of susceptible patients and the increase in
construction projects, the involvement of
hospital epidemiologists and infection control
professionals is required. Full story »
today's news
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Tork Breaks Down Hygiene Barriers in Restrooms
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Approved Oil Partners with Rael on Services
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House Bill Would Codify EPA’s Safer Choice
WASHINGTON -- Legislation to codify and strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice Program, has been introduced in the House of Representatives.










