Every 5 minutes, a patient dies from a healthcare-associated infection

Surfaces transmit microbes that cause deadly infections and are a serious risk to patient safety. The Healthcare Surfaces Institute is dedicated to stopping this hidden threat.

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WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Surfaces Matter™: A New Approach to Patient Safety

We are the only organization with a plan to stop HAIs spread by contaminated surfaces. We need your vital support – please donate today!

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The 3 Pillars of HSI

One of the primary ways microbes move within a healthcare setting is via surfaces, yet most infection prevention strategies overlook surface safety issues beyond cleaning.

The Healthcare Surfaces Institute is taking action to change how surfaces get designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained to reduce the spread of HAIs significantly. Our work, research, and educational outreach are focused on The 3 Pillars of HSI.

Testing & Validation

Surface Selection

Cleaning & Disinfection

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur when pathogens infect patients via contaminated surfaces

More HAI Info

people get HAIs every year

people die yearly from HAIs and many more live altered lives that require ongoing medical care

1 out of 25

patients will acquire a HAI during their hospital stay

Latest News & Work

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A person cleaning a contaminated hospital floor.

Evaluation of Cleaning and Disinfection Must Be at the Top of the List When Selecting Surface Materials and Products

HSI Executive Director Linda Lybert met with architects and designers of healthcare facilities and revealed MAJOR gaps in how the built environment is designed and what is needed for infection prevention.

Oct 17, 2023

A Call for Action: HSI Forms Collaboration To Reduce Patient Risk and Mitigate the Spread of HAIs

Addressing just one part of the problem does not work when it comes to HAIs. Learn why HSI is working to bring stakeholders together to find sustainable, integrated solutions.

Sep 6, 2023

runners passing the baton in a relay race

Passing the Baton: How to Combat the Recent Rise in HAIs

HAIs were trending down until competing pressure from the Covid 19 pandemic disrupted established practices, reversing the trend. Addressing surface safety is the key to controlling HAIs in the long term.

Jun 21, 2023

microscopic image of biofilm attached to a surface

Understanding the Hidden Danger of Biofilm

The microbial battlefront is a complex array of variables. While antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is at the top of the list of concerns, there is another often hidden war going on at the surface. On that surface sits one of the most difficult enemies ever to face the world – biofilm.

May 10, 2023

Wiping high touch surfaces with disinfectant wipe

HSI-Funded Research: Decontamination of High-Touch Environmental Surfaces by Wiping

HSI has co-funded research on the effectiveness of a fundamental cleaning process: wiping surfaces clean. They identify methods that remove and inactivate pathogens and less-effective methods that transfer pathogens to other surfaces.

Apr 4, 2023

Solving a Microbial Issue at a Macro Level: How Surfaces Support Biofilm Formation

Biofilms adhere to surfaces and are the most adaptable microbial feature in nature. This structure serves many purposes, including protection from the biocides that destroy microbes. It is time we look at what is happening beyond visual inspections of surfaces.

Mar 7, 2023

Dr. Curt White: In Memoriam

HSI mourns the loss of a valued friend, colleague, and supporter Dr. Curtis White was a founding member of the Healthcare Surfaces Institute and...

Mar 3, 2023

The 3 Pillars of the Healthcare Surfaces Institute: Validation, Selection, Disinfection

Surfaces are a foundational issue in infection prevention. There are many aspects to this complex problem, and it requires a collaborative effort...

Jan 25, 2023

A Mattress is an Assembly: Complaints of Fluid-Leaking Patient Mattresses

The ability to clean and disinfect surfaces in hospitals is an issue of utmost importance to public health – but is not often discussed with the...

Nov 29, 2022

Gelest Becomes a Sponsor of the Healthcare Surfaces Institute

HSI is pleased to welcome Gelest as a Silver sponsor of the Institute! Gelest is a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of specialty...

Nov 28, 2022

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Join our community of professionals dedicated to stopping surface-related HAIs. Whether you're a healthcare, facilities management, or manufacturing professional, join our network to access resources and experts, influence our programs and help contribute to our mission.

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HELP US STOP SURFACE-RELATED INFECTIONS AND DEATHS

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we rely on donations to save lives. We need your help.

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Healthcare Surfaces Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; all donations are tax-deductible. Copyright © 2023 Healthcare Surfaces Institute. All rights reserved. Surfaces Matter™ is a trademark of Healthcare Surfaces Institute.

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