Disposable products can facilitate and enhance infection prevention and control efforts in the healthcare setting and reduce the opportunity for cross-contamination.

“Intelligent and informed use of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical component of any facility’s efforts to prevent and control infection,” says Caroline Gullion, product manager of surgical apparel at Cardinal Health.

Disposable products can also help remove reservoirs of pathogenic organisms, namely healthcare workers (HCW)'s medical apparel during patient-care activities.

“The purpose of disposable barrier products is to prevent the transfer of microorganisms from a non-sterile field to a sterile field,” says Caroline Ginn, RN, BSN, senior consultant in infection prevention for Cardinal Health. “The qualities of disposable products provide excellent barrier performance. For example, linting in the surgical setting has been documented to increase the incidence of surgical site infections by providing a mode for transporting bacteria. With the advent of non-woven materials, the lint has virtually been decreased to little or no lint present.”