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

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.
Recent Articles
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.
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.
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.
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...
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