{"id":29049,"date":"2026-09-07T09:00:56","date_gmt":"2026-09-07T09:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oxypharm.net\/?p=29049"},"modified":"2026-08-24T10:39:40","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T10:39:40","slug":"steam-cleaning-neonatology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oxypharm.net\/en\/steam-cleaning-neonatology\/","title":{"rendered":"Steam bio-cleaning in neonatology: balancing infection control and environmental responsibility"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”29008″ img_size=”full” css=”” el_class=”full-width”][vc_column_text css=””]In neonatology, the bio-cleaning of the immediate environment of newborns \u2013 particularly incubators and heated cots \u2013 plays a central role in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections.<\/p>\n

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Bio-cleaning protocols are most often based on the use of detergent-disinfectants, which require large volumes ofwater and numerous single-use consumables. The environmental impact of these protocols, as well as the exposure to chemicals by cleaning staff and, potentially, the newborns under care, is now driving a shift in practices.<\/p>\n

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Healthcare facilities are seeking more environmentally responsible bio-cleaning methods, without compromising on infection control. Presented at the SF2H 2026, France\u2019s leading annual infection control and hospital hygiene conference, a field study conducted by the Hospices Civils de Lyon demonstrated the benefits of steam bio-cleaning in neonatology in addressing this dual challenge.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

The challenges of bio-cleaning in neonatology<\/h3>\n

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NEWBORNS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO INFECTIONS [1][2]<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”29015″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]Birth marks a significant immunological transition. While sterile in utero, the newborn is rapidly colonised upon contact with the mother\u2019s bacterial flora, followed by microorganisms from their environment, transmitted in particular via the hands of carers and parents and through breast milk.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]Exposed for the first time to a wide variety of microorganisms, they are therefore at a higher risk of infection than at any other stage of life. This vulnerability stems primarily from the immaturity of the immune system and the fragility of the skin and mucous membranes, which are not yet sufficiently developed to fully fulfil their role as a barrier against infectious agents. This susceptibility to infection is even more pronounced in preterm infants.<\/p>\n

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In addition to these intrinsic factors, the conditions of hospital care present other challenges. Catheters, mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition and other invasive devices \u2013 essential for the survival of many newborns \u2013 create numerous entry points for microorganisms.<\/p>\n

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Despite advances in neonatology, healthcare-associated infections can still lead to serious complications, with potential repercussions for the child\u2019s neurodevelopment.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

A PARTICULARLY DEMANDING BIO-CLEANING PROCESS [3]<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]In healthcare facilities in France<\/strong>, the neonatal unit is classified as Zone 3<\/strong>, i.e. a high-risk infection area (the equivalent to FR1 in the UK<\/strong>). This classification requires a particularly rigorous frequency and protocol for bio-cleaning<\/strong>.[3][8]<\/p>\n

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Certain surfaces, such as changing tables, are cleaned and disinfected before and\/or after each use.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”29022″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]The entire immediate environment of the newborn is subject to daily deep cleaning, including incubators and heated cots, critical care trolleys, electronic equipment, furniture, water points, floors, door and furniture handles, and light switches.<\/p>\n

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When a patient is discharged, or following a prolonged hospital stay, the entire room is cleaned and disinfected, with certain medical equipment dismantled if necessary.<\/p>\n

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During an outbreak, the frequency of bio-cleaning may be increased and protocols adapted to the microorganism in question.<\/p>\n

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The effectiveness of bio-cleaning<\/strong> relies on formalised procedures (choice of equipment and detergent-disinfectant, contact, rinsing and drying times) as well as on staff training, the traceability of operations and the regular evaluation of practices.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”29029″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

WHY CHANGE BIO-CLEANING PRACTICES ?<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]The use of detergent-disinfectants consumes significant amounts of water and a large number of single-use consumables including cloths, washcloths, cleaning strips and gauze. Furthermore, the detergent and disinfectant products end up in wastewater, and certain ecotoxic substances accumulate in the environment.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]In a 1,000-bed healthcare facility, bio-cleaning uses between 5 and 10 m\u00b3 of detergents and between 2 and 4 m\u00b3 of disinfectants each year.[5]<\/p>\n

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At the same time, staff responsible for bio-cleaning are exposed to these chemicals on a daily basis, which can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation.<\/p>\n

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The use of these products also raises concerns about the exposure of newborns to potential chemical residues. The permeability of their skin and the fact that their organs are not yet fully developed mean that any contact with a chemical is extremely dangerous. Exposure to a chemical risk must not be the cost of avoiding a microbiological risk, hence the value of steam in routine bio-cleaning, carried out when the child is not present.<\/p>\n

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Practices must evolve towards a more judicious use of chemicals. Cleaning relies on four complementary factors: mechanical action, temperature, time and chemistry. One of the principles of eco-design in healthcare is to reduce the use of chemicals when mechanical or thermal action is sufficient to achieve the required level of hygiene.<\/p>\n

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The CPIAS<\/strong>, France\u2019s network of support centres against healthcare-associated infections, recommends pre-soaking cleaning textiles in order to limit the quantities used. Steam-based bio-cleaning<\/strong> using a device compliant with the NF T 72-110 standard<\/strong> is also among the recommended alternatives.<\/p>\n

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Starting in 2021, the Hospices Civils de Lyon, which are committed to an eco-design approach to healthcare, chose to introduce steam bio-cleaning in their neonatal units. The teams then sought to scientifically document the impact of this change in practice through a field study presented at the SF2H 2026 conference.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Why is steam a credible alternative ? [9]<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Steam bio-cleaning<\/strong> is based on the diffusion of high-temperature saturated steam<\/strong> (approximately 97 \u00b0C at the nozzle outlet) under pressure.<\/p>\n

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The steam penetrates into the smallest nooks and crannies to remove deposits and biofilms, whilst reducing the microbiological load on surfaces, all without the use of chemicals. Thanks to its thermal and mechanical action,
\ndepending on the performance of the process used, steam can eliminate a broad spectrum of microorganisms including bacteria, yeasts, viruses and even spores.<\/p>\n

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Steam bio-cleaning<\/strong> also offers significant operational and environmental benefits. Chemical disinfection protocols require rinsing with microfiltered water to remove residues, followed by a drying phase before the equipment is reassembled. These steps extend the treatment time and increase water consumption. In contrast, steam biocleaning is carried out in a single stage, requires no rinsing and has been validated against Bacillus<\/strong>, thereby simplifying bio-cleaning procedures in neonatology.<\/p>\n

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This environmentally responsible method leaves no chemical residues and does not affect even the most delicate materials. It can therefore be used safely on surfaces in direct contact with newborns, such as incubator mattresses, heated cots and changing tables.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

A study presented at SF2H 2026 evaluates steam bio-cleaning under real-world conditions<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”28469″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

A FIELD STUDY COMPARING TWO BIO-CLEANING PROTOCOLS IN NEONATOLOGY [6][7]<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]To assess the benefits of steam bio-cleaning in neonatology, the Hospices Civils de Lyon conducted a prospective study comparing two bio-cleaning protocols applied to incubators and heated cots: the conventional method using a detergent-disinfectant and a method based on steam bio-cleaning. The results were presented at the three-day conference of the French Society for Hospital Hygiene (SF2H), France\u2019s leading event in this field, in 2026.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]The study examined 81 pieces of equipment used in real-world healthcare settings. Several criteria were assessed: the microbiological quality of bio-cleaning, as well as the consumption of water, detergent-disinfectants and single-use wipes, and the time required to carry out the protocols. The aim was to simultaneously evaluate the microbiological performance and the environmental impact of each method.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

COMPARABLE MICROBIOLOGICAL EFFICACY, WITH SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED RESOURCE CONSUMPTION [6][7]<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]The results show that steam-based bio-cleaning achieves microbiological efficacy comparable to that of the conventional protocol.<\/strong> The number of non-compliant microbiological samples remained low with both methods, with no statistically significant difference.<\/p>\n

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At the same time, the steam protocol significantly reduced the resources required for bio-cleaning:<\/p>\n