Surfaces Matter
A BLOG BY THE HEALTHCARE SURFACES INSTITUTE
Learn about the latest challenges and solutions addressing the spread of surface-related infections in healthcare environments
Featured Article

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.
Recent Articles
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.
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.
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 was an active supporter of the board of directors and...
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 to address them all. The Healthcare Surfaces...
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 public. The Washington State Nurses Association...
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 silicones, organo-silanes, metal-organics, and acrylate...
HSI Welcomes Two New Board Members
HSI is excited to announce that Nancy Schlossberg and Barbara Strain have joined the Healthcare Surfaces Institute board of directors. “Ms. Schlossberg and Ms. Strain have unique areas of expertise...
I am a Survivor: The Devastation of Healthcare-Associated Infections
My name is Mary Millard, and I am a patient who lives with a chronic healthcare-associated infection (HAI). This is my story. Up until the fall of 2014, I was a healthy 55-year-old with an...
Environmental Services: Taking on Impossible Tasks Every Day
It is Environmental Services Week – a time to recognize the teams of healthcare services professionals committed and dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting our healthcare facilities. And the truth...
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