Conference presentation: IPC Partnership with Tristel

Background

In 2025, IPC Partners partnered with Tristel, a global leader in chlorine dioxide-based disinfection technologies, to deliver a forward-looking presentation at the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) 2025 conference. The session, titled “The Future of Surface Disinfection”, explored the evolving landscape of environmental hygiene in healthcare and the role of chlorine dioxide in meeting emerging challenges.

The presentation was designed to provoke thought and discussion among IPC professionals, microbiologists, and healthcare leaders about how surface cleaning and disinfection practices must evolve to address antimicrobial resistance, sustainability goals, and operational constraints. The presentation positioned chlorine dioxide as a potential solution to current and emerging challenges in healthcare.

The Presentation

Delivered by Dr Phil Norville and Dr Jon Otter, co-founders of IPC Partners, the presentation highlighted the critical importance of surface disinfection in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). It opened with a review of current disinfection practices across NHS Trusts, revealing significant variability in product selection, protocols, and compliance monitoring.

The speakers emphasised the need for evidence-based decision-making, using the idea of the “ideal surface disinfectant” to map against current approaches. Whilst sodium hypochlorite is commonly used, it is limited by stability in the presence of organic matter, material compatibility challenges, occupational exposure, and environmental profile. Chlorine dioxide is an appealing prospect for surface disinfection, having demonstrated strong efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including spores and biofilms, and with a favourable occupational exposure and environmental profile. However, it currently remains underutilised in many settings.

A key theme was the importance of aligning disinfection strategies with national guidance and procurement frameworks. The speakers called for clearer regulatory support and more consistent inclusion of a broader range of high-level disinfection chemistries, including chlorine dioxide in national and local recommendations. They also discussed the role of industry in supporting implementation science and human factors research to ensure that new technologies are adopted effectively.

The presentation concluded with a call to action for IPC professionals to re-evaluate their surface disinfection protocols in light of emerging evidence and operational realities. Attendees were encouraged to consider chlorine dioxide not just as a niche solution for outbreak scenarios, but as a viable option for routine use.

Impact

Interactive polling was used throughout the presentation to improve audience participation in the content and to gather insight. The session generated significant interest and discussion among conference attendees. Delegates appreciated the balanced and evidence-based approach taken by IPC Partners. The presentation was praised for its clarity, relevance, and practical insights, and several Trusts indicated interest in further exploring chlorine dioxide-based solutions.

The recording of the presentation is available here, and continues to be shared among IPC networks as a valuable resource for education and planning.