Support surfaces can sustain physical damage through extensive use, cuts or tears by sharp objects or repeated exposure to chemical disinfectants. New data suggests that 50% of all foam support surfaces in acute care settings are compromised after 3.8 years.1 Typical damage can allow fluid ingress—potentially contaminating internal components and making them reservoirs for pathogens and mediators of Healthcare-Acquired Infections (HAIs).2

support-surface-audit-mattress-stains

Uncover Damage to Avoid Cross-Contamination Risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends regular support surface inspections, noting that contamination is widespread and underreported.3 Patients exposed to a support surface whose prior occupant had an HAI are five to six times more likely to acquire an HAI.4 An Agiliti Support Surface Audit can help provide insight into potential challenges within your support surface fleet—while also helping extend the life of your equipment.

An Agiliti Support Surface Audit Includes:

  • Inspection of ten support surfaces to identify potential risks
  • Disassembly, photography and reassembly of each surface
  • A written report documenting the condition of each asset
  • Comprehensive recommendations on repair or replacement

Complete the form to schedule your support surface audit.

References:

  1. Koshy et al. (2023) The State of Support Surface Integrity in Acute Healthcare Facilities. Poster presentation at NPIAP 2023 (2023, Mar 17-19). San Diego, Calif.
  2. Li, Xiaobao, et al. (2021) Infection Risks Associated with Damaged Mattresses and Management Strategy Using Repair Patches. InfectionControl.tips, Global Biorisk Advisory Council: a Division of ISSA, 4 May 2021. Retrieved from infectioncontrol.tips/2021/05/04/infection-risks-associated-with-damaged-mattresses-and-management-strategy-using-repair-patches/
  3. Damaged or Worn Covers for Medical Bed Mattresses Pose Risk of Contamination and Patient Infection. (2013, Apr. 19). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://wayback.archive-it.org/ 7993/20170722215739/https:/www.fda.gov/ MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm348016.htm
  4. Cohen, B., Liu, J., Cohen, A., & Larson, E. (2018). Association Between Healthcare-Associated Infection and Exposure to Hospital Roommates and Previous Bed Occupants with the Same Organism. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 39(5), 541-546. doi:10.1017/ice.2018.22