GV Health Insights | Infection Prevention
CPE and Environmental Hygiene: Supporting Infection Prevention with SoChlor DST
Understanding the role of effective cleaning and disinfection in healthcare environments where CPE is a concern.
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) represent a serious and growing threat in healthcare environments.
These Gram-negative bacteria are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, commonly considered drugs of last resort, making infections particularly difficult to treat.
In response to this challenge, effective environmental hygiene is critical.
SoChlor DST: broad-spectrum bactericidal efficacy
SoChlor DST is supported by a comprehensive range of European Norm (EN) certifications confirming broad-spectrum bactericidal activity across a wide range of pathogens. Its established efficacy profile provides strong supporting evidence.
Supporting EN certifications
EN 1276
Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of
bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants.
EN 13697
Surface test for bactericidal activity.
EN 13727
Bactericidal activity in the medical area.
EN 16615
A surface test simulating practical conditions
using mechanical action.
These standards confirm SoChlor DST’s efficacy against key bacterial species, including:
Gram-negative bacteria
Escherichia coli
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Gram-positive bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus
Enterococcus hirae
The presence of Gram-negative efficacy, particularly against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, provides strong reassurance of SoChlor DST’s potential against CPE, especially considering the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) position on disinfection.
Guidance from the UK Health Security Agency
In its September 2022 report, Framework of actions to contain carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, the UK Health Security Agency advises on page 32:
“Use any disinfectant which has proven biocidal activity
against Gram-negative bacteria.”
UK Health Security Agency, September 2022, page 32.
This aligns with SoChlor DST’s EN-certified spectrum of action, supporting its suitability for use in environments where CPE is a concern.
Moreover, peer-reviewed academic literature supports the efficacy of SoChlor’s active biocide, hypochlorous acid, against CPE. A publication in the South African Journal of Preclinical and Allied Science highlights the effectiveness of hypochlorous acid against these highly resistant organisms.
The importance of cleaning before disinfection
The UKHSA also strongly emphasises the importance of pre-cleaning surfaces before disinfection. This critical step removes organic material that can impede the action of disinfectants.
For this purpose, GV Health recommends Life Protected Cleaner (LPC). LPC’s innovative Water Soluble Matrix (WSM) technology provides effective surface cleaning while supporting sustainability goals.
Step 1 | Clean
Life Protected Cleaner
Remove dirt and organic material before disinfection.
Step 2 | Disinfect
SoChlor DST
Follow with disinfection in accordance with product
instructions and local IPC procedures.
Integrating LPC for cleaning and SoChlor DST for disinfection
supports a coordinated approach to environmental hygiene.
High-level disinfection of sink drains using SoChlor DST
CPE bacteria can survive and even multiply in moist, nutrient-rich environments, such as sink traps, drain pipes and wastewater outlets. Ensuring effective disinfection is therefore critical.
Sink drain disinfection guidance
Download our user step guide for SoChlor drain
disinfection.
For the full protocol guide prepared by our Technical
Team, contact us
or speak to your GV Account Manager.
SoChlor DST’s EN certifications, supporting literature on its active biocide and alignment with UKHSA guidance support its role in environmental infection prevention. Paired with effective cleaning using LPC, it forms part of a coordinated hygiene approach that also supports operational sustainability.
Explore products, training and evidence
Understand the chemistry behind SoChlor.
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Video: SoChlor Technology Explained
See how SoChlor works.
Watch the environmental disinfection training guide.
LPC at University Hospital Southampton
Explore the cleaning transformation case study.
Learn more about LPC and its cleaning technology.
