ResInnova Laboratories

07/10/2024

ResInnova welcomes our Summer RISE interns! Summer RISE (Reimagining an Innovative Student Experience) is an initiative led by the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Department of Partnerships in collaboration with businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Here you see our two RISE interns (both rising HS seniors) - Aissatou Cherif and Alex Schoch – fully engaging in hands-on learning in the lab. Also pictured is their program liaison, Aamena Khan, and ResInnova scientist, Virjee.

07/04/2024

As we celebrate the 4th of July, ResInnova Labs honors the spirit of freedom and independence that defines our nation. To give our dedicated team time to celebrate in their own unique ways, our lab will be closed on the 4th and 5th of July. We hope everyone has a safe and joyful holiday filled with family, friends, and festivities.

07/02/2024

The results are in! ResInnova's laboratory team recently evaluated the microbial load of a pillow for Your Morning Show on HOT 99.5 FM. The results demonstrated contamination of bacteria, mold, & even MRSA on the pillow, pillowcase, & its inner stuffing. Producer Erick now has scientific data to inform his decision for further use & care of this sentimental item. A "bandage" patch was carefully stitched to the pillow's hole before return to its owner. Thanks again to scientist Natasha Virjee for leading the charge.

07/01/2024

Today marks a significant milestone for ResInnova Labs - we’re celebrating 10 years of groundbreaking research and innovation!
Over the past decade, we've:
• Conducted cutting-edge studies on bacteria, fungi, viruses, and antibiotic resistance
• Developed novel methods for pathogen detection and infection prevention
• Collaborated internationally with industry leaders and academic institutions
We couldn't have reached this milestone without our dedicated team (led by Matthew Hardwick) and supportive partners. Here's to many more years of scientific discovery and excellence!

06/28/2024

ResInnova Labs is excited to share that the Healthcare Standards Institute (HSI) has published the ANSI/HSI 2000-2023 Performance Standard for Healthcare Germicidal Light Whole-Room Surface Disinfection. This groundbreaking standard promises to enhance infection control practices, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Developed over three years by industry experts from both private and public healthcare sectors, this standard brings much-needed consistency, reliability, and scientific rigor to the evaluation of UVC germicidal light systems. We are proud that our own CEO, Matthew Hardwick, was a member of this committee.

The new standard includes comprehensive criteria for testing UVC devices, covering aspects like test room specifications, surface types, orientations, site locations, and pathogens. As Veronica Edwards, DBA, CEO of HSI, points out, "Healthcare organizations can now earn the HSI certification and align their supply chain with a consistent industry standard for UVC technologies."

Tara Millson DNP, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Director of Infection Prevention at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, adds, "Finally, Infection Control/Prevention professionals have an objective and validated tool to select only UVC systems that actually work to protect our patients. Our patients are the big winners here."

Let's advocate for data-driven decisions and a higher standard in healthcare disinfection!

/PRNewswire/ -- To support improved patient outcomes and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections, the Healthcare Standards Institute (HSI), an...

06/26/2024

ResInnova is working on a most unique project: testing a pillow belonging to Erick from Your Morning Show - our scientist, Natasha Virjee was able to stop by the show and get the pillow!
We'll be analyzing the pillow for:
· Total Aerobic Microbial Count
· Fungal Count
· MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
· E. coli
This study underscores our commitment to innovative, real-world applications of our scientific expertise. Stay tuned to Your Morning Show on HOT 99.5 for results & insights from this intriguing investigation! Thanks to our scientists Natasha & Chris - we're excited to see what they uncover.

06/24/2024

At ResInnova, we are committed to driving patient-centered innovation in healthcare. We’re proud to perform this new ANSI/HSI standard, a revolutionary benchmark in Germicidal UV technology. This newly published standard, developed with contributions from the infection prevention community (including our CEO Matthew Hardwick), ensures transparency, efficiency, and real-world relevance in evaluating disinfection products. Read Dimer UVC Innovations’ post as to why it’s a game-changer.

Battling for Patient-Centric Innovation

In the world of healthcare, innovation should thrive to ensure the best outcomes for patients. Unfortunately, some powerful manufacturers seem more interested in protecting their market share than fostering progress. This stifling of competition hurts patients and hospitals alike.

Recently, the ANSI/HSI standard was published, thanks to a committee including several APIC members. This patient-centric standard promises to create a level playing field for evaluating UV disinfection products.

Here's why it matters:

1. Clear Performance Metrics

The standard provides easily understood letter grades based on thoroughness of disinfection performance. This transparency allows hospitals to make informed choices.

2. Time Efficiency

Results will include the time required to achieve each grade, helping hospitals evaluate both effectiveness and efficiency.

3. Head-to-Head Comparisons

For the first time, buyers can compare products based on standardized testing. This data-driven approach will highlight which systems truly perform the best.

The ANSI/HSI standard tests 50 operating room sites against MRSA and 50 patient room sites against C.Diff. This comprehensive approach ensures that performance is measured in real-world conditions.

--- Action Item for Readers

To ensure you get the best UV disinfection technology, demand that your UV provider tests their products against the industry's performance standard, "ANSI-HSI 2000-2023 Healthcare Germicidal Light Whole-Room Surface Disinfection." Insist they make these results public. This will push the industry towards greater transparency and innovation, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare facilities.

Don't let big manufacturers stifle innovation. Advocate for standards and transparency to drive the market towards better, more effective solutions.

Learn More at www.dimeruv.com/daily-dose

06/19/2024

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history that marks the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved individuals were now free—over two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth represents a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. It is a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead in building a more inclusive and just society.

At ResInnova, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and communities. Today, we honor the rich history and culture of African Americans and reflect on the contributions and sacrifices that have shaped our nation.

Let's continue to educate ourselves, support one another--including supporting your local Black-owned businesses, and work together towards a brighter future. Happy Juneteenth!

06/13/2024

Meet Mealy Cronin, our talented summer intern at ResInnova! Mealy is currently a student at Georgetown University, studying Global Health and Pre-Med. This summer, she is working on an exciting project that involves comparing bacteria and fungi against a UV device at various timepoints. In the photo, you can see Mealy in action, making weekly plates of E.coli. What a cool way to spend her summer!

06/07/2024

A groundbreaking study published in The Microbe has unveiled the potential of the Roman Baths in Bath, UK, as a rich source of microorganisms that could play a crucial role in combating antimicrobial resistance. Researchers from the University of Plymouth's School of Biomedical Sciences and School of Biological and Marine Sciences, in collaboration with the Roman Baths staff, have identified around 300 distinct bacteria types within the ancient waters. 15 bacterial isolates demonstrated inhibition against human pathogens such as E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella flexneri. This research not only highlights the historical and cultural significance of the Roman Baths but also their potential in advancing scientific knowledge and public health.

The world-famous Roman Baths are home to a diverse range of microorganisms which could be critical in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, a new study suggests.

05/27/2024

As we honor Memorial Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and dedication remind us of the true meaning of this day. Let us take a moment to remember and honor their legacy, and to support the families who have lost loved ones in service to our country.

05/24/2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an updated Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) for the first time since 2017. This crucial update aims to guide research, development, and investment in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Notably, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been reclassified, while fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella has been moved up due to increasing resistance. Enhanced focus on pathogens like fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella Typhi and non-typhoidal Salmonella, reflect their growing public health threat. This updated list is a vital tool for mapping the global burden of drug-resistant bacteria, guiding investments, and addressing the antibiotics pipeline and access crisis. Check out the full announcement and implications of these changes. ResInnova Labs is approved to handle multi-drug resistant strains from the CDC’s Antibiotic Resistant (AR) Isolate Bank and the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) for your testing needs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) today released its updated Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) 2024, featuring 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacteria grouped into critical, high and medium categories for prioritization.