1. The Daschner Bin Liner (DBL) is a simple apparatus for storing and dispensing medications and other patient care supplies in a manner that reduces the risk of infection and cross-contamination.

2. Nosocomial infections are hospital-acquired infections that are evident, but are not the reason a patient was admitted to the hospital.

3. There are three areas of risk regarding the development of nosocomial infections during the hospital stay:

   • Iatrogenic factors caused by invasive surgeries or procedures.
     
   • Organizational factors caused by contaminations within the building.
     
   • Patient factors, such as a compromised immune system or serious illness.
     

4. The organizational risk factors diminish with the use of the DBL.

5. The Centers For Disease Control estimates 1:20 patients (approximately 2 million cases per year) require additional hospital stays that cost over 2 billion dollars because of nosocomial infections.

6. Nosocomial infections from all microorganisms directly cause 19,000 deaths per year and indirectly contribute to 58,000 deaths per year. Such infections are the 11th leading cause of death within the United States.

7. Non-critical items, such as medication carts, bins, and other similar equipment, receive a basic attempt at cleaning. At present, no records are kept as to methods or frequency of cleaning.

8. The DBL can decrease the amount of bacteria present in the original container. A visibly soiled DBL can readily be disposed and replaced with a new DBL.

9. The placement of the bin liner in the original drawer reduces the probability of bacteria or other pathogens, (ie., fungi, viruses, yeasts, etc.) from growing and being transmitted. The DBL will decrease the transmission of microbials to the stored medications, and ultimately, the patient.

10. The use of DBL could have a great impact on reducing medical costs. If a patient does not acquire a nosocomial infection by an organizational risk factor, it decreases the patient’s hospital stay.

Conclusion: The DBL improves patient care by providing an effective and convenient method of maintaining sanitary medication drawers, dispensing bins, and storage bins.