Cleaning & Sanitization
When 84% of lead garments carry Staph a and Ringworm*, gain peace of mind with a service contract from RCS.
RCS Keeps Your Patients & Staff Safe
Our two-step cleaning program first removes debris before sanitizing lead garments. Both steps are required to properly eliminate biofilms and harmful microorganisms, reducing risk for HAIs.
Before
After
Our Process
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When your lead garments enter our facility, we evaluate them for needed repairs (worn Velco, torn straps, broken buckles, etc.) and identify areas that may need extra attention during the cleaning process.
We also evaluate surface contamination levels using an ATP swap testing system.
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We perform our proprietary, multi-step, servicing process which is broken into two stages, cleaning and sanitization. The two stages is recommended by regulatory bodies such as the CDC and TJC.
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We confirm the results of our cleaning & sanitization process with an additional ATP test.
Once the garments pass our ATP test, we update their status in our RADCOMPLY™ lead garment compliance software portal for customers. You’ll always be prepared for an audit.
Why Lead Garments Need Deep Cleaning
Lead garments aren’t only scientifically proven to host harmful microorganisms and biofilms, they are also often sweaty & smelly from being worn during 8-hour operations or splattered with blood.
Traditional wipes-only protocols have been proven clinically ineffective and are often not adhered to on a routine basis due to clinicians’ workloads.
As a high-touch object, lead garments should be deep cleaned quarterly just like door handles, light switches, and keyboards. RCS can help.
We Help You Stay Compliant
RCS’s cleaning process is endorsed by garment manufacturing companies and yields best practice outcomes as defined by AORN, TJC, and CDC.
Many of the major X-ray garment manufacturers recommend deep cleaning performed by RCS quarterly, in between daily cleanings.
We Go Beyond Wipes & Sprays
Our co-founders contracted Ringworm from a thyroid collar being cleaned on a wipes-based protocol. Wipes and sprays alone are not enough to properly remove contaminants on the X-ray garments.
Forgoing the deep cleaning process and using only wipes and sprays will lead to a build-up of biofilm and other bacteria, and could corrode the quality of your lead aprons over time.
Many wipes and sprays contain alcohol and bleach, which can be corrosive to lead aprons. Over time they can break down the quality of the lead apron, making wearers more susceptible to germs and infections.
AORN Study on Garment Cleaning Regularity
Surveying 173 healthcare workers, predominantly registered nurses in surgical settings, the study found that:
78.0% reported wearing soiled protective gear
30.1% noted thyroid shield odors.
48.0% admitted to never spot cleaning
21.4% of aprons or shields never underwent standard department cleaning
The study identified potential risks of bacterial contamination, emphasizing the need for evidence-based guidelines and the need of a best practice solution.
Study on Lead Apron Cleanliness
Dr. Jaber from Wayne State conducted clinical studies revealing that X-ray aprons can harbor various microorganisms. In his research, Dr. Jaber cultured 25 lead aprons. The study found:
84% were colonized with Tinea species (Ringworm)
84% were colonized with Staphylococcus aureus
12% were colonized with MRSA
What Makes RCS Different
RCS has been leading the industry in X-ray garment compliance for over a decade.
Our processes go beyond wipes & sprays to ensure your garments are safe for patients and staff.
The Joint Commission and other regulators recognize RCS as a best practice solution.
We’re the world’s first full-service solution.