We've heard it over and over again: hand washing is the best defense against germs. But studies show even health care workers don't wash their hands often enough. Now there's a new system that provides patients with an extra measure of protection.
Gregory Gardner thought his father was out of the woods after a successful colon cancer operation, but it was a hospital infection that took his life.
"It left a big empty space," said Gardner.
It also happened to Pat Mastor's dad.
"He went in for neck surgery, and two days after the surgery his intestines ruptured," said Mastor.
Ninety-nine-thousand Americans die from hospital-acquired infections each year, many of which could be prevented.
"Conservative estimates indicate that the cost of hospital-acquired infections is at least $30 billion per year in the United States. About half of the infections are attributable to improper hand-washing," said Dr. Dennis, University of Florida.
Now there's a technology that sniffs out good hand hygiene. After a nurse or doctor washes their hands, a sensor communicates with a special badge. When they get near a patient, a monitor near the bed reads the badge and flashes green. If more than 90 seconds have elapsed, the badge vibrates.
"The idea is that as soon as you wash your hands, you go immediately into the care of the patient," said Dr. Richard Melker, University of Florida.
Healthcare workers say it's making a difference. For some, change comes too late.
"I wouldn't want to see any other family go through what we went through," said Mastor.
Working to make hospitals places of healing - not harming.
The soap-sniffing technology just went on the market in October. In the future, developers hope to put it into use at nursing homes and restaurants.
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