Why Sterinis®

 A human drama

Nosocomial infections contracted in hospitals cause 4,000 to 6,000 deaths per year in France on average (according to the sources), and 90,000 in Europe. An estimated 800,000 French patients are affected [1] (rate of prevalence [2]: 7% of hospital patients).

Microbes are a threat wherever medical or paramedical care is administered, and in fact wherever people come together. The case of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) clearly shows the dangers of viral epidemics and demonstrates the urgent need for effective curative and preventive equipment and procedures.

 A major public health issue

For 1997, the consequences on public health spending are estimated to have been one billion euros in direct costs and three billion euros in indirect costs (due to sick leave, disabilities etc.).

Nosocomial infections have been a matter of concern to health professionals and public health authorities for a long time now. Many initiatives have tried to get to the root of the problem, by strengthening regulations, increasing awareness, improving staff training, allocating more human and financial resources etc. but none have succeeded in eradicating the problem.

 Patients environment insufficiently protected

Gloster Santé Europe closely investigated every link in the disinfection process and deduced that traditional hygiene methods (wiping with alcohol wipes, spraying with powdered or liquid disinfectants) did not adequately treat all surfaces in the patient’s environment.

Although routine precautionary measures are taken with medical devices such as endoscopes and surgical instruments, among others', traditional techniques are inadequate for treating the patient’s physical environment. This leaves a serious risk of contamination capable of causing exogenous nosocomial infections (40% of nosocomial cases are serious illnesses caused by Staphylococcus Aureus, Acineto Bacter and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa).