3. Hub Hygiene and Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta
Amount received: $50,000
Hub Hygiene and Georgia Institute of Technology received $50,000 at the competition for their low-cost, single-use cleaning technology that helps prevent central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI), which affects pediatric ICU patients. Called BioScrub, the device is a sugar-cube sized open-cell micro abrasive foam that is saturated with isopropyl alcohol. The foam and IPA help remove and absorb CLABSI-causing bioagents more effectively. The sponge-like foam allows for the BioScrub to reach between luer lock threads and clean the septum. Capillary forces draw the removed infectious agents into the open-cell foam for disposal. Each sponge is a single-use cleaning sponge that can be rapidly implemented in pediatric clinical settings with minimal regulatory impediments, according to the company.
According to the company, improper catheter hub hygiene causes 250,000 to 500,000 CLABSI cases a year. It costs the healthcare industry $9 billion and has caused hospitals to receive about $4 billion in penalties under the Affordable Care Act.
