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

Revolutionizing Cleanability in Healthcare: The Power of Collaborative Focus Groups for Effective Solutions
Everything begins with design—whether the design of the built environment or of the products used for patient care—critical decisions made during this phase, in particular.
Recent Articles
Collaboration in Material Compatibility in Healthcare is Just Good Business
Material compatibility with disinfectants provides significant financial benefits to hospitals, equipment manufacturers, and disinfectant providers and is essential in reducing healthcare-associated infections.
HSI Announces New Board Member Keri Lestage
Dr. Keri Lestage brings expertise in disinfectant technology and surface safety to HSI.
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.
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...
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