Biological sampling and biological decontamination are two principal ways of ensuring that cleanrooms and other high-risk healthcare and scientific environments adhere to extremely high standards of hygiene. However, there are some important differences between the two – both in terms of their definition, the processes involved and the point at which they are used.
Here Tecomak Environmental Services, who offer both services to hospitals, research facilities and the commercial sector, explain how they differ – and why we should be your first port of call for both.
The Definitions
The official definition of biological sampling is the extraction or isolation of any type of biological material (ultimately derived from a living organism) which can then be studied in a laboratory. This material can include blood, cells, tissue, skin and, crucially, bacteria which may be present either on surfaces or in the atmosphere of a laboratory, production facility or healthcare environment.
Biological decontamination is the process of making an object or environment – whether it’s a medical device, a scientific instrument, a surface or an entire room – safe to handle, operate or work in. This involves removing or destroying harmful pathogens so that they cannot cause an infection.
The Point at Which They Are Used
Biological sampling usually takes place before any biological decontamination – the former is often carried out to determine whether the latter is necessary. However, both may form part of a regular testing schedule (at different times) or as an emergency measure. This may be necessary if there are fears that a patient (or operator) has contracted an infection, or if there has been a spillage which could contaminate a product, or affect research results.
The Processes
Methods of biological sampling usually fall into active or passive categories. The latter typically involves the use of contact plates or settle plates; where Petri dishes filled with prepared culture media are left open to allow colonies of bacteria to settle and develop.
Active sampling can be much more accurate; it usually involves using an air sampler to draw in a pre-determined volume of air through or over a particle detection device such as an Agar plate, or a modified Petri dish. This sample can then be placed in an enclosed environment such as an incubator and analysed.
Biological decontamination can also be carried out in a number of ways. In previous years formaldehyde was used to disinfect many healthcare locations; however, this left a residue of white powder which still needed to be cleaned away (and the formaldehyde itself was found to be a potential source of cancer).
These days, the most efficient method of biological decontamination is achieved by using a device which can combat airborne bacteria. At Tecomak, we use the Devea Phileas® range of hydrogen peroxide vapour machines; these diffuse a fine mist or spray over the target area and can achieve a six-log reduction in harmful microbes. All that’s left at the end of the operating cycle – whichever unit is used – is harmless oxygen and water.
Biological Sampling and Decontamination from Tecomak Environmental Services
At Tecomak, we can offer biological sampling and decontamination services ourselves or train up your staff to provide them in-house (which may be particularly useful for pharmaceutical production facilities where any time lost can be very expensive). All our staff are up to date with the latest safety legislation and will ensure that your own employees are fully conversant with all aspects of the process.
If you would like to know more about our biological sampling services, click here; and for more details about our biological decontamination services, follow this link. You can also call us on 01732 852250 or fill in our online contact form here.
