International Women’s Day
Germitec Improves Infection Prevention In Women’s Health
International Women’s Day is a great time to reflect on the difference Germitec is making to improve infection prevention in women’s health. Published research papers show that ultrasound probes used in pelvic examinations are a potential source of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) transmission from patient to patient, posing a new challenge for clinics.
To reduce HPV cross-infection risk, Germitec’s Hypernova Chronos UV-C High Level Disinfection system has been rigorously tested to kill high-risk cancer strains HPV 16 and 18. Research has proven that high-risk HPV cancer strains cause over 90% of cervical cancers.1
In 2020, an estimated 604,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide, and about 340,000 women died from the disease. Cervical cancer was the 7th most common cancer globally, the 9th most common cause of cancer death in the world and the 4th most common cause of cancer death among women in 2020.1-4
Further, several research studies have shown in pelvic ultrasound examinations, the potential risk of cross-infection when high-level disinfection is not the standard of practice.5
Germitec’s focus on Infection prevention ensures quality health outcomes when using ultrasound in womens health.
References
https://www.iarc.who.int/infographics/cervical-cancer-awareness-month-2021/
Saraiya, M., Unger, E., Thompson, T., Lynch, C., Hernandez, B., Lyu, C., Steinau, M., Watson, M., Wilkinson, E., Hopenhayn, C., Copeland, G., Cozen, W., Peters, E., Huang, Y., Saber, M., Altekruse, S. and Goodman, M. (2016). US Assessment of HPV Types in Cancers: Implications for Current and 9-Valent HPV Vaccines.
Tota et al. (2011) Epidemiology and burden of HPV infection and related diseases: implications for prevention strategies. Prev Med. 53 Suppl 1: S12-21.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Cervical cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1 [Accessed 21 Fe. 2020].
Westerway SC, & Basseal JM,(2020) Endocavity Ultrasound Transducers: Why High-Level Disinfection Is Necessary – Ultraschall Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1168-6602