A multiphase intervention of novel color additive for bleach disinfectant wipes improves thoroughness of cleaning in an academic medical center

Abstract

Surface disinfection is critical for preventing health care-associated infections; however, sustaining high-quality cleaning technique is challenging without constant feedback and training of staff. A novel color additive to bleach wipes, Highlight, indicates where surfaces have been wiped and fades to colorless to provide real-time visual feedback of cleaning. In a multiphase interventional study, Highlight reduced failure rates of cleaning based on fluorescent marker removal (15.0%-4.5%) and adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay (3.6%-2.5%).

Keywords: Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence; Bleach wipes; Color additive; Color indicator; Disinfection; Fluorescent marker; Health care-associated infections.