In healthcare environments across Australia, the fight against hospital acquired infections (HAIs) is relentless. Rhima Australia is committed to supplying technology that sets the benchmark for safety. That is why we are pleased to present the findings of a major new study on our flagship machine, the DEKO 190 Bedpan Washer Disinfector.
The study, conducted by HygCen Germany GmbH in 2025, provides irrefutable evidence of the DEKO 190‘s superior cleaning and disinfection efficacy against one of the most resilient hospital pathogens: Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile).
The Clinical Challenge of C. difficile
Clostridium difficile is a significant pathogen that poses a persistent risk in hospital settings. It is known to cause diseases from mild diarrhoea to severe colitis. A critical issue is that the pathogen sheds spores that are resistant to many disinfectants and can survive for long periods in the environment, making them a frequent and persistent contaminant.
Contaminated items such as bedpans are a frequent source of transmission. Manual cleaning of these items should be avoided as it poses a high risk of infection to both healthcare employees and patients. The ability of automated equipment, like a bedpan washer disinfector, to effectively remove these spores is therefore crucial to prevent transmission.
DEKO 190 Study Results: A Critical Log Reduction
The 2025 study focused on evaluating the DEKO 190’s effectiveness in removing and killing C. difficile spores from contaminated test specimens. The trial was rigorous, adhering to international standards including EN 17126:2019 for sporicidal activity and DIN EN ISO 15883 requirements. The Deko washer disinfector was tested using its factory set “Intensive” program, along with neodisher® SBR extra detergent.
The official conclusion from HygCen Germany GmbH confirms the machine’s exceptional performance:
After performing the complete reprocessing process with the bed pan washer ‘DEKO’, SN 400001443, REF DEKO 190, in the ‘Intensive’ program, a sufficient reduction of ≥ 4 log against Clostridium difficile could be demonstrated on all test specimens.
The test requirement according to EN 17126 is a reduction of ≥ 4 log. The DEKO 190‘s results exceeded this benchmark, showing a reduction of more than ≥ 5 log against C. difficile across all test specimens, which demonstrates sufficient disinfection efficacy. Crucially, the Deko 190 achieved the full removal of C. difficile consistently in all test cycles with no remaining colony forming units (CFU) detectable.
The Core DEKO Washing Principle
The Deko‘s unmatched efficacy is rooted in its unique and robust design. The machine is specifically intended for the emptying, washing, rinsing, and thermal disinfection of human waste containers.
Key features ensuring this superior cleaning efficacy include:
- Freshwater Circulation: The unique washing technique is based on freshwater circulation during the detergent wash and post wash rinse phases, which ensures superior cleaning efficacy.
- Mechanical Scrubbing: A high power 600L/min pump and 10 water jets create a powerful mechanical scrubbing effect to tackle the toughest soil.
- Thermal Disinfection: It provides uncompromising thermal disinfection with a default A0 value of 600 (≥+90°C / 60sec).
- Minimising Handling: The automated system allows direct emptying of wash items into the machine, which minimises the manual handling of contaminated items.
Rhima Australia supplies a full range of high performance medical washers across the country. You can learn more about our range of hospital washers disinfectors and other products by clicking the link below.
Explore our full range of medical washers and disinfectors here: https://www.rhima.com.au/washers-disinfectors/ and https://www.rhima.com.au/medical-washers/
Conclusion: Superior Patient Safety and Efficiency
Implementing robust infection prevention strategies is paramount. Automated bedpan reprocessing with the DEKO 190 ensures a safer environment for patients and staff, improves hygiene processes, and results in substantial cost savings for hospitals. The DEKO 190 is a testament to the commitment of DEKO MedTech and Rhima Australia to providing effective, reliable, and compliant solutions.
Download the Evidence:
Download the White Paper on the cleaning efficacy of the DEKO 190 against Clostridioides difficile.
Download the Full Test Report from HygCen Germany GmbH.
