Winning the fight against infection in the health services
Fri, 30 May 2014 15:25:00 BST
3M BIC News – MTP Innovations
– Disinfectant product DiffX is set to transform standards of hospital hygiene
MTP Innovations Ltd are transforming standards of hospital hygiene with the launch of their unique disinfectant DiffX™.
DiffX leads the next generation of powerful non-chlorine disinfectants and creates a dynamic cleaning system, which eliminates all surface contamination including Clostridium Difficile spores, MRSA, bacteria and viruses that cause Healthcare Acquired Infections (HCAIs) and cost the health service time, money and loss of beds.
DiffX is both user-friendly and environmentally less harmful than chlorine. It is fast acting and not deactivated by soiling and is more effective against re-contamination, unlike chlorine-based products.
MTP are based at the University’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC), and already supply a number of leading NHS Trusts, including UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the BUPA Cromwell Hospital in London. A survey, following a trial at Salford Royal Infirmary NHS Foundation Trust, revealed an amazing 95 per cent of cleaners and nurses stated that they preferred using the product.
Independent analysis
A detailed independent analysis carried out by Dr Paul Humphreys and the Hygiene and Disinfection Centre at the University of Huddersfield has indicated that DiffX – outperforms chlorine-based products in the fight against infection control. The analysis conducted by Dr Humphreys showed that DiffX continues to act despite the presence of organic material that inactivates many other disinfectants.
Another breakthrough with DiffX is that the disinfectant is supplied as a powder in unique and patented heat-sealed PVA film sachet. When the sachet is placed in water, both the film and the powder dissolve. This simple process means that the operative does not come into physical contact with the substance. Also, simple measurement and dilution control of the concentration level is as straightforward as adding one or two sachets to the water. Another big advantage claimed for DiffX over harmful chlorine-based products is that it does not corrode microfibre cloths that are now extensively used for cleaning surfaces and mopping floors.
“People were using chlorine-based disinfectants, but they can be very unpleasant to use, quite smelly and corrosive, and when C. Diff started becoming an issue, we knew chlorine-based products had real shortcomings. When there is dirt around they just stop working,” said Mr Peter Finan, MTP’s Research and Development Manager.
State-of-the-art office facilities
Pictured left: Managing Director of MTP Innovations Ltd Mike Jepson and Commercial Director Christine Sparks. Pictured right: Research and Development Manager Peter Finan.
The company was formed four years ago by Managing Director Mike Jepson and Research and Development Manager Peter Finan. In February 2011, Christine Sparks, Commercial Director, invested in the business and became part of the team.
MTP were awarded funding from investment organisation Finance Yorkshire, which receives funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the UK Government. The money will enable MTP to implement its marketing strategy and continue product creation and development.
The location of the office in the University of Huddersfield’s 3M BIC allows MTP access to state-of-the-art office facilities in close proximity to the University’s research labs as it develops and improves new products.
“We were able to move into the 3M BIC after we were awarded the funding from Finance Yorkshire. It is such a good location and having access to Paul and his research team has been extremely beneficial,” said Mike Jepson.
- The 3M Buckley Innovation Centre is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the University of Huddersfield and Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
