This week a pizza parlor in Washington, DC experienced an act of terror when a misinformed young man with an assault rifle read a malicious rumor online that a pornography ring was established in the basement of the restaurant and decided to take matters in his own hands.  Not only was the rumor false, but the pizza parlor did not even have a basement.  CNN reported that the rumors have spread to other commercial enterprises on the block including a well-respected bookstore. 

Rumors based on fear and misinformation can lead to dangerous actions.  Even, in the health care world falsehoods are being spread that can be even more dangerous, affecting patient care, staff safety and the community at large.  No, wet loads are not safe for future use, disinfectants do not kill all microorganisms including spores, and changing the sonic at the end of the day is not safe when bio-burden levels increase beyond a safe capacity. 

Fast cycles do not ensure a safe outcome; it depends upon the load and whether rigorous pre-cleaning took place beforehand. Automated equipment cannot clean properly without adequate rinsing and drying and adequate contact time with the cleaning agent. Yet, some equipment manufacturers are sharing falsehoods and even taking unprecedented actions, such as changing machine settings without validation, nor informing department managers or biomed.

Competition is necessary to provide choice and keep prices down; however, harming patients by monkeying with critical equipment to win over or keep a customer is worse than misinformation and may be down right criminal.  Threats to remove machine pumps and equipment to keep out competition is extortion. This behavior must STOP NOW!!!

At Case Medical, we validate our products, educate and endorse best practices. As a Safer Choice Partner of the Year we are committed to safer products, truthful information and sustainability. We rather lose a customer than lose a patient.