Surgery & Recovery:
The critical role of veterinary grade 4% chlorhexidine scrub in surgical hygieneby Kara Franklin, Managing Director, Vet Way Ltd
Infusion pumps and drivers: Make an informed choiceby John Bennett, Service Engineer, Infusion Concepts
Product Focus
by Kara Franklin, MD, Vet Way Ltd
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In the ever-evolving landscape of veterinary medicine, the importance of maintaining rigorous hygiene standards cannot be overstated. As veterinary professionals, we are entrusted with the health and well-being of our animal patients, and this responsibility extends across our practices.
One of the cornerstones of surgical hygiene is the use of effective antimicrobial products, with high-quality, compliant, veterinary-grade chlorhexidine scrub being a non-negotiable choice.
Recent advancements in veterinary hygiene products have led to the production of high-performance 4% chlorhexidine scrubs, such as Select from NVS's Antimicrobial Skin Scrub, that have undergone extensive EN testing.
The Select scrub has been evaluated against a spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, enveloped viruses, and yeast. Specifically, the product has been rigorously tested under the PT1 (human hygiene) and PT3 (veterinary hygiene) protocols, ensuring that it meets the highest standards for both human and animal health.
The pink dye used in Veterinary Surgical Scrub brands like Select and Vet-Hands has been iconic for many years, giving users a clear visual indication of the volume of product required when diluting before use.
The dye used in the Select from NVS Scrub has been carefully selected for its dermatologically sympathetic compounds, widely used in UK food manufacturing. With less than 0.01% concentration of dye used, we are confident, through dermatological testing, that the scrub is kind to your hands as well as the skin of animals.
This product has also received approval for use during surgical hand washing, a critical step in preventing postoperative infections. Surgical hand hygiene is not just a procedural formality; it is a vital practice that significantly reduces the risk of infection. By utilising a 4% chlorhexidine scrub, such as Select from NVS's Antimicrobial Skin Scrub, which has been validated against stringent testing protocols, veterinary professionals can ensure they are making informed choices for their patients.
While the market is flooded with numerous antimicrobial scrubs, the allure of cheaper alternatives can be tempting. However, using subpar products can lead to dire consequences for both the animal patients and the veterinary practice itself. Inadequate scrubs may not effectively eliminate harmful pathogens, thereby increasing the risk of surgical site infections and complicating recovery.
Furthermore, compromised hygiene can lead to a longer recovery period, increased treatment costs, and a higher likelihood of adverse outcomes. The welfare of our patients is paramount, and every veterinary professional should recognise that cutting corners on hygiene can have far-reaching ramifications.
A professional formulation of 4% Chlorhexidine Digluconate with an Amine Oxide base, blended with emollients to reduce the risk of skin irritation during use.
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To uphold the highest standards of care, veterinary practices should adopt the following best practices:
#1. Select a reputable product – Do your research!Always opt for a veterinary grade 4% chlorhexidine scrub that has been rigorously tested and approved for surgical use. Ensure that the product meets the EN standards and has proven efficacy against a wide range of pathogens.
#2. Training and ComplianceRegularly train staff on the importance of surgical hygiene and the correct use of antimicrobials. Ensure that everyone understands the protocols and the implications of non-compliance.
#3. Conduct Regular AuditsConduct periodic reviews of hygiene practices within the facility. This can help identify areas for improvement and reinforce the commitment to maintaining high standards.
#4. Stay InformedThe field of veterinary medicine is constantly evolving. Stay updated on the latest research and guidelines regarding surgical hygiene practices and products.
#5. Promote a Culture of SafetyFoster an environment where every team member feels responsible for infection control. Encourage open discussions about hygiene practices and any potential concerns.
The use of a high-quality, compliant veterinary grade 4% chlorhexidine scrub is not merely an option; it is an essential component of successful surgical practices.
By prioritising effective antimicrobials that have undergone rigorous testing, veterinary professionals can safeguard their patients' welfare and ensure optimal surgical outcomes. Investing in quality products is a commitment to excellence in veterinary medicine and a testament to the care we owe to our animal patients. Let us uphold the highest standards of hygiene, ensuring that our practices are not only compliant but also exemplary in protecting those we serve.
by John Bennett, Service Engineer, Infusion Concepts
Whether you are buying your first infusion pump or syringe driver, looking to add to your current collection or wanting to upgrade your archaic dinosaur from the 1800s, finding the best Infusion pump can be a minefield and, even with the best information, confusing.
This brief guide, written by an infusion pump engineer with years of experience, should help
you make the right choice when purchasing your new pumps and drivers.
Since the demise of CME, producers of the Niki and VetPro pumps and drivers, a vast range of devices have appeared on the market. We often opt for what we think is a “good deal”, but this can be counterproductive, and what we think is a “good deal” often isn’t and can end up costing more in the long run.
This unbiased information will help you make an informed decision when choosing your infusion device and hopefully end up with the best pump suitable for your practice that won’t cost you the earth.
Choose a reputable supplier and ensure your supplier has the capability to accurately calibrate the pumps and drivers to the brands of lines and syringes you are using. This is imperative as there can be up to 40% difference between brands in terms of delivery and pressure values!
If, when purchasing your device, your supplier doesn’t ask which lines/syringes you use, then beware and look elsewhere.
Ensure your supplier can provide rapid, free-of-charge warranty repairs and servicing. If your device develops a fault, you don’t want to wait for it to be returned to the manufacturer in some faraway country!
Your device needs to be robust enough to cope with the veterinary environment. For example, most touch screens don’t seem to like rough handling or being knocked about and more importantly, the screens can be expensive to replace. Did you know that to replace a touch screen on some devices can cost over £400?
Avoid equipment which requires dedicated lines or syringes. Don’t get stuck with one brand of lines/syringes which will limit your choice of range, quality, and cost. The pump maybe cheap but look at the overall cost of the sets and pumps. Are you really getting a good deal when that “special offer” ends?
If you do have dedicated sets, how easy are they to source? Do you have to bulk buy in order to make it cost effective and if so, do you have the storage space !
Choose equipment that is quick and simple to set up and trial the equipment before purchase. A generous trial period with the staff that will use the equipment often will be most valuable as to whether the device is the right one for your practice. There is nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a pump/syringe driver for it to be placed in the back of cupboard gathering dust because it is not user friendly..
And finally....
Your pumps accuracy, performance and reliability are directly affected by the quality of the giving sets used. Only use high quality lines that are designed for veterinary use, and ensure you place the correct part of the infusion line into the pump drive, otherwise you may damage your device and possibly over infuse your patient.
Find out more - infusionconcepts.com
