In both healthcare and clinical environments, even minor lapses in hygiene can allow harmful microorganisms to spread, making infection control a critical priority for every facility. Every element, from the layout of a room to the fixtures, plays a part in maintaining safe, hygienic spaces.

Wash stations are among some of the most frequently used points, making their design and performance critical to preventing infections. By choosing basins with effective infection control features, water is better contained within the bowl, spread is reduced and overall infection prevention practices are enhanced.

Evolving threats in basin hygiene

By understanding the key hygiene risks, facilities can better select basins that enhance hygiene performance and contribute to safer, more controlled clinical environments.

Bacteria build-up

Constant exposure to organic matter, warm water, and moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Without specialised surfaces or regular disinfection, bacteria can multiply rapidly, especially in high-traffic clinical environments.

Biofilm

Biofilm is a resilient layer that forms when bacteria adhere to surfaces and begin to multiply. To strengthen their survival, bacteria produce a protective coating that allows them to anchor themselves to basin interiors, drains, and pipework. Once this biofilm develops, it becomes extremely difficult to remove and can harbour a wide range of harmful microorganisms, increasing the risk of infection.

Hidden surfaces

Traditional basins often contain seams, corners, and undersurfaces that are difficult to access during routine cleaning. If difficult to clean, bacteria can proliferate in areas that are hard to reach or see, allowing microorganisms to persist even after regular sanitisation. These areas can quickly become reservoirs for contamination and increase the overall infection risk.

Splashing

Ineffective splash control can cause water to spread onto surrounding surfaces during use. When water is splashed out of basins, it can carry bacteria up to two metres away, potentially contaminating walls, benchtops, floors, and nearby equipment. Splash zones dramatically increase the area at risk of contamination and make maintaining a hygienic environment more challenging.

Stagnant or pooling water

Standing water provides a perfect habitat for microbial growth. When water pools within the bowl or drain area, it can lead to biofilm formation and elevate the risk of contamination.

Major risks to water systems

Without appropriate design and technology features, water systems can be an ideal breeding ground and transmission medium for potentially harmful bacteria, including:

Legionella: Bacteria thriving in warm, stagnant water and can spread through aerosolised droplets. They proliferate at temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, making poorly maintained or stagnant water systems particularly high-risk. Contaminated water systems can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a severe and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A common microorganism found in moist environments. While it does not always cause illness, it can pose a risk in healthcare settings, particularly for vulnerable or immunocompromised patients. Basins with stagnant water or biofilm build-up can provide an environment where Pseudomonas may grow, making effective drainage and hygienic surfaces important for reducing potential contamination.

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How GalvinAssist® Contour 21 basins reduce infection risks

To combat these challenges, facilities need basin systems designed specifically for hygiene, efficiency, and infection prevention. The GalvinAssist® Contour 21 basin offers advanced features that directly address the most common risks in clinical wash stations:

Anti-splash design

The basin’s integrated Hydrofin is engineered to significantly reduce splashing and the aerosolisation of bacteria, making it a powerful asset in clinical infection control. Positioned precisely where the tap stream meets the basin surface, this fin-like structure uses principles of fluid dynamics to guide water smoothly along the bowl rather than allowing it to disperse outward. Independent testing shows it can reduce splashing by more than 90%.

By controlling how water travels and eliminating erratic movement, the Hydrofin helps prevent droplets from spreading to nearby surfaces, equipment, and users – areas that can become vectors for germs and bacteria.

High-tech hygienic surface

Its advanced SmartGuard+ surface technology features an ultra-smooth hydrophilic glaze that encourages water to drain away quickly, reducing residue and making each clean more effective. An integrated ionic silver antimicrobial additive helps inhibit biofilm build-up, supporting long-term hygiene throughout the product’s lifetime. The seamless, low-maintenance finish also minimises hidden areas where bacteria can accumulate, making daily cleaning easier and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

Improved drainage

Designed to eliminate pooling and promote rapid water flow, these basins reduce standing water that can harbour bacteria and helps prevent blockages. The smooth hydrophilic surface and Hydrofin work together to ensure water drains efficiently, while a simplified waste assembly removes hanging points. This combination minimises contamination points and supports a cleaner, more hygienic wash station.

Maintaining effective infection control in healthcare requires more than routine cleaning. Investing in GalvinAssist® Contour 21 basins strengthens infection control at its source, minimising contamination, simplifying cleaning, and creating safer environments for staff and patients.

Explore our Contour 21 basins today to take a proactive step in clinical hygiene.

Architecture & Design Team

Galvin Engineering

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