Clinell Sporicidal Wipes

Clinell Sporicidal Wipes

Frequently asked questions


1. There are many different sporicidal wipes on the market. Why is Clinell Sporicidal different to them?

In the last couple of years there have been many companies who have released a wipe which they claim to sporicidal. The problem herein lies with the testing method that has been conducted on the wipe, the institute that has conducted the actual testing and the regulations of disinfectants in the UK.

It is very important to look at the test method that a product has been subjected to in order to make a sporicidal claim. Most companies use a test method called prEn13704 which is not a fully approved test method to date. To pass this test a product is required to kill spores in a 60 minute contact time and to a 3 log kill level (99.9%). This contact time is of no practical benefit to hospitals who aim to prevent spread and further contamination in instances where C.diff is suspected or proven. In addition it requires that the formulation remains wet on the surface for 60 minutes to allow it to take effect. Again this is not achievable in reality. Finally if the contact time is ever achieved it will only have reduced the spore count by 3 log which again is not much gain for such a long waiting time and will not prevent transmission.

In addition to all this, the laboratory used to do the test must be investigated. Many companies use non accredited laboratories in the UK because they are cheaper and because they can get the test results they require. Unfortunately there is no governing body in the UK who can prevent this from happening and it is up to hospitals to assess each product and make their own conclusions.

These unaccredited laboratories will often test the formulation being put into the wipes as opposed to the wipes themselves containing the formulation in question. What goes into a wipe is not necessarily what come off a wipe and this is due to the wipe material binding certain molecules and preventing release when required. Therefore it is imperative to test the wipe itself as this is what is being used by the hospitals.

Clinell Sporicidal Wipes which contains patented technology developed by the GAMA Healthcare medical team have been tested at The Hospital Infection Research Laboratory in Dudley Road, Birmingham by Ms Christina Bradley. The test method used was not the prEn13704 due to a low kill count and a non-practical or achievable contact time. Ms Bradley chose to use the Babb et al test method which requires a maximum contact time of 5 minutes and a kill count of at least 5 logs (99.999%) to be achieved.

Clinell Sporicidal achieved a greater then 6 log kill count (99.9999%) in a 1 minute contact time in dirty conditions. This makes Clinell Sporicidal the most powerful wipe in the world to date.

Finally, Clinell Sporicidal utilizes peracetic acid to kill spores and this is one of the best known antimicrobial agents around. The reason it is not used more regularly is because of its unstable nature but Clinell Sporicidal uses a patented delivery system to generate the peracetic acid on demand. In other words, we have not created a new chemical but have found a new delivery mechanism for generating peracetic acid. Many of the other products on the market claim to have developed a “new chemical” and don’t disclose any information about this when questioned further.

To summarise, Clinell Sporicidal is different to most other sporicidal agents on the market in terms of speed of action, strength of sterilizing and reputable laboratory data with a recognized test method and full validation.

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2. How are the wipes presented?

The wipes come as 25 applications in a pack and each wipe consists of 2 dry wipes stuck together with a range of different powders sandwiched between the 2 dry non woven material.

Each wipe is 21x30cm and consists of absorbent airlaid non woven material which is maceratable.

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3. What happens when the wipes are activated?

Clinell Sporicidal Wipes are inactive and dry in the pack and need to be activated prior to use. Gloves must be worn before activation and the wipes require only water or any body fluid to activate them. When activated the powders protected between the 2 wipes will instantaneously produce hydrogen peroxide and this will interact with the Tetra Acetyl Ethylene Diamine (TAED) to product peracetic acid.

The sporicidal benefit comes from both the hydrogen peroxide and the peracetic acid although the latter is the main agent.

The peracetic acid produces a characteristic odour of vinegar (acetic acid) which will be apparent immediately on activation and this will become more apparent after a few minutes as more peracetic acid is produced.

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4. Why can the wipes not be wet and therefore save the activation step?

Peracetic acid is a very unstable chemical and will breakdown very easily and very quickly. It is one of the best antimicrobial agents ever discovered but the fact that it is unstable makes it very hard to utilize it in practical terms.

Ideally a bottle of peracetic acid would be given to all wards and told to use it as and when need in cases of C.diff but unfortunately the peracetic acid would break down to acetic acid (vinegar), water and carbon dioxide very quickly.

To overcome this problem, Clinell Sporicidal will produce peracetic acid as and when needed so that this problem of it breaking down is overcome. Therefore in the pack of wipes when inactive there is no peracetic acid which is why the wipes are dry in the pack and need to be activated with water (or any body fluid).

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5. Is Peracetic Acid safe to use?

Peracetic acid is an ideal antimicrobial agent due to its high oxidising potential. It is broadly effective against microorganisms and is not deactivated by catalase and peroxidase, the enzymes which break down hydrogen peroxide. It also breaks down food to safe and environmentally friendly residues (acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide), and therefore can be used in non-rinse applications. It can be used over a wide temperature range (0-40 °C), wide pH range (3.0-7.5), in clean-in-place (CIP) processes, in hard water conditions, and is not affected by protein residues.

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6. Where was the testing conducted for this wipe?

Clinell Sporicidal was tested at various UK accredited laboratories. The bulk of the testing was done at The Hospital Infection Research Laboratory by Ms Christina Bradley.

Further testing was done to ensure compatibility with different materials, user safety, water loading tests and tests to identify timescales of activity.

All the test data for this product can be accessed and downloaded by pressing this link (PLEASE PUT A LINK HERE FOR THE CLINELL SPORICIDAL TEST DATA)

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7. What products does the wipe replace?

This is a high level sterilizing product and primarily replaces chlorine based compounds that are used to kill spores.

It is not designed as an everyday wipe (which is what Clinell Universal Sanitising Wipes are) but more as a specialised wipe that is used in specific situations.

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8. Chlorine is much cheaper then Clinell Sporicidal Wipes. Why should I use Clinell Sporicidal over hypochlorite based products?

Clinell Sporicidal has many advantages over hypochlorite (chlorine) based products and includes the following:

  • Clinell Sporicidal is safer for the end user and anyone who is in close proximity to the wipes. Chlorine releases toxic fumes which can be carcinogenic, cause respiratory problems and
  • Chlorine is time consuming to prepare and also requires precise measurements to ensure that the concentration is good enough to kill spores. Clinell Sporicidal can be activated in less then 5 seconds and is not subject to precise measurements.
  • By saving time and having a safer option for users this will in turn increase compliance which can help reduce the rates of Clostridium difficile. This reduction in rate will actually save a hospital more money then the switch to Clinell Sporicidal from chlorine initially.
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9. What organisms does this wipe kill?

This wipe will kill all germs but is marketed as a sporicidal wipe as spores are the hardest bacteria to kill. This wipe is a very specialised product and is not designed for everyday use.

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10. What would happen if the activated wipe touches my skin?

Always wear gloves when using Clinell Sporicidal Wipes but should it accidentally touch your skin do not worry.

The majority of individuals will not feel anything if the activated wipes touch their skin, but a small minority will get a slight tingling sensation on their skin which may slightly blanch in colour for a few minutes. This will wear off by itself but should this occur then just wash the skin with lots of water and that should be sufficient in most cases. If irritation persists then seek medical assistance.

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11. Is there a need to wear a face mask?

Most people will not require a face mask but should the smell of the wipes cause mild irritation then a face mask should overcome this particular problem.

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12. What are the uses of this wipe?

These are highly specialised wipes and the main uses include:

  • Commode cleaning
  • Environmental and equipment sterilising in proven or suspected cases of Clostridium difficile.
  • Blood Spills
  • Terminal Cleaning
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13. Do I need to clean first before using this wipe?

You do not need to clean before using this wipe because the wipes contain detergent already. This allows you to use the wipe in highly soiled areas immediately.

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14. Can resistance occur with this wipe?

The action of peracetic acid is non selective and so should not give rise to resistance.

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15. Are there any disposal or storage requirements?

No special requirements at all with regard disposal or storage. After use the wipes should be discarded in the clinical waste bins.

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16. How would you summarise the benefits of Clinell Sporicidal Wipes?

In summary:

  • Most powerful wipe in the world today
  • Kills all known germs
  • Kills spores in 1 minute contact time with a greater then 6 log kill count
  • The only wipe to effectively replace chlorine based compounds
  • Environmentally friendly
  • No toxic fumes so can be used next to patients.
  • Works in highly soiled conditions.
  • No dilution necessary (as with chlorine) so should save time
  • Ease of use will improve compliance which will also help reduce Clostridium difficile rates.

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