Putting Healthcare Associated Infections Into Perspective

It is estimated that 100,000 people in the U.S. could die from the Coronavirus. The same number die each year from Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs).

by Robert Lee, Vice President
HanGenix Solutions, Inc.

Proper hand hygiene, especially in healthcare facilities, is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infections. It is more important now than ever in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In this epidemic, it is of great concern that data indicate that, prior to the pandemic, fewer than half of healthcare personnel clean their hands as often as appropriate while caring for patients. It is the simplest and most effective procedure that can prevent HAI. Yet, failure to perform appropriate hand hygiene is one of the major factors that results in healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs).1

Our nation is appropriately alarmed by Dr. Anthony Fauci’s prediction of the potential for 100,000 or more deaths in the U.S. due to the Coronavirus, yet the same number of patients die each year from HAIs. This startling fact puts the importance of hand hygiene in perspective.

Certainly, the short-term healthcare priority is clear, stop the spread of the coronavirus and successfully treat the thousands of patients infected by this potentially lethal virus. However, once the pandemic is under control, it will be a challenge for all healthcare facilities around the globe to reassess HAI, especially the preventive impact of hand hygiene compliance. It is critical to realize that as many patients die of HAI in the US as many suggest will lose their lives as a consequence of COVID-19. 

HanGenix sincerely appreciates our nation’s doctors, nurses, and all the healthcare professionals and first responders who put their own lives on the line to save the lives of others.

Unfortunately, it does not appear that this biocrisis was something the healthcare system could control. Certainly, the earlier we could have known about it, the earlier we could have taken action to help minimize its impact.

However, we do know that hand hygiene compliance can make a significant impact on the incidence of Healthcare-associated Infections. Hence, in the wake of COVID-19, let’s all do what we can to control and prevent HAI.

For more information, visit hangenixsolutions.com or contact Bob Lee, Vice President at 561-542-5689 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

¹ Data on file at HanGenix

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About HanGenix Solutions, Inc.

HanGenix Solutions is a digital technology and analytics company that specializes in helping healthcare providers improve their quality, safety and efficiency, both clinical and financial, through the use of our exclusive, patented ultrasound platform. We are focused on improving hand hygiene compliance, which is the #1 preventative for reducing the risk of pathogen transmission and contamination that contributes to Healthcare-associated Infections.

With over 100,000 lives in the acute care area and 500,000 lives in the alternate site area lost each year as a result of infection, HanGenix Solutions provides healthcare leaders actionable data and analytics to support their quality and safety strategies.

HanGenix Solutions seeks strategic partners, investors and potential acquirers with a commitment to collaborate with our providers to help reduce the risk of infection and save lives.