MTP Innovations launches DiffX disinfection product

Published: 3-Jun-2014

Non-chlorine disinfectant is said to be fast acting and effective against re-contamination


MTP Innovations says it is set to transform standards of hospital hygiene with the launch of a disinfectant called DiffX.

DiffX is a powerful non-chlorine disinfectant that is said to eliminate all surface contamination including Clostridium Difficile spores, MRSA, bacteria and viruses that cause Healthcare Acquired Infections (HCAIs) and cost the health service time and money.

DiffX is both user-friendly and environmentally less harmful than chlorine, the company says. It is fast acting and not deactivated by soiling and is more effective against re-contamination, unlike chlorine-based products.

MTP is based at Huddersfield University’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC), and already supplies a number of NHS Trusts, including UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the BUPA Cromwell Hospital in London.

A detailed independent analysis carried out by Dr Paul Humphreys and the Hygiene and Disinfection Centre at the University of Huddersfield has indicated that DiffX outperforms chlorine-based products in infection control.

Humphreys' analysis showed that DiffX continues to act despite the presence of organic material that inactivates many other disinfectants.

DiffX outperforms chlorine-based products in infection control, analysis has found

DiffX is supplied as a powder in a patented heat-sealed PVA film sachet. When the sachet is placed in water, both the film and the powder dissolve. This simple process means that cleaning staff do not come into physical contact with the substance. Also, simple measurement and dilution control of the concentration level is as straightforward as adding one or two sachets to the water.

Another big advantage claimed for DiffX over chlorine-based products is that it does not damage microfibre cloths that are now used extensively for cleaning surfaces and mopping floors.

 

'People were using chlorine-based disinfectants, but they can be very unpleasant to use, quite smelly and corrosive, and when C. Diff started becoming an issue, we knew chlorine-based products had real shortcomings. When there is dirt around they just stop working,' said Peter Finan, MTP’s Research and Development Manager.

MTP Innovations was formed four years ago by Managing Director Mike Jepson and Finan. In February 2011, Christine Sparks, Commercial Director, invested in the business and became part of the team.

MTP was awarded funding from investment organisation Finance Yorkshire, which receives funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the UK Government. The money will enable MTP to implement its marketing strategy and continue product creation and development.

The location of the office in the University of Huddersfield’s 3M BIC allows MTP access to facilities in close proximity to the University’s research labs as it develops and improves new products.

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