07. 08. 2025

Germ-Free Hands without Hand Contact: the Advantages of Knee-Operated Sinks in Daily OR Practice

Hospital Management, Inspital Medical Technology, Stainless Steel

Whether it’s a routine procedure or a complex high-risk surgery – the prerequisite for every successful surgical intervention is uncompromising hygiene. But hygiene doesn’t start on the operating table; it begins minutes before – during handwashing. In an environment where every touch can become a potential source of contamination, the method of hand disinfection is crucial. Especially in the highly sensitive area of the OR, well-thought-out solutions are needed that seamlessly combine safety and efficiency. Washing systems with knee operation not only offer a technical answer but set a new standard in terms of contactless hygiene. Inspital has developed precisely the right products for this – robust, user-friendly, and exactly tailored to the needs of daily clinical practice.

Hygiene Begins before the First Step

Hand disinfection is more than routine - it's the most important building block in preventing nosocomial infections. Studies show that over 70% of all postoperative wound infections can be traced back to direct or indirect transmission of germs via hands. Even the smallest negligence in hand hygiene can have fatal consequences - for patients, for OR procedures, and for the clinic.

A frequently overlooked weak point: the interface between human and technology. Conventional water taps, soap dispensers, or disinfectant bottles with skin contact are potential sources of contamination - especially in the stressful daily clinic routine. This is where knee-operated scrub sinks provide a solution: They enable the entire hand washing process without hand contact - from water flow to soap and disinfectant dispensing.

Inspital Scrub Sinks: Well-Thought-Out to the Last Detail

The SK61 series from Inspital is the result of intensive development work with specialists from OR, hygiene, and technology. The aim was to create a washing system that not only complies with international hygiene guidelines but actively contributes to reducing germ transmission - while simultaneously facilitating daily work in the OR.

The most important features at a glance:

Knee operation for all functions: Water, soap, and disinfectant are activated via sensor-controlled valves - completely without hand contact, only through gentle knee pressure.
Antibacterial materials: The basins are made of high-quality Corian®, a non-porous, hygienic, and easy-to-clean solid surface material with natural antibacterial properties.
Splash-free design with round, concave corners: Reduces cross-contamination and facilitates cleaning.
Thermostatic mixing valves: Ensure constant water temperature and minimize thermal risks.
Easy maintenance and accessibility: Thanks to front-mounted drawers and service accesses.

Whether as a single station (SK61.10) or double station (SK61.20) - these sinks are suitable for any OR environment, scalable, and available with various equipment options.

more Efficiency and Safety in Clinical Operations

In addition to the hygienic advantages, Inspital's knee-operated sinks also offer numerous practical benefits in daily OR routine:

Time savings: No handling of levers or dispensers - the intuitive operation via the knee accelerates the entire preparation process.
Ergonomic work: The operating height and basin shape have been designed to prevent physical strain even with frequent use.
Less maintenance effort: The contactless technology reduces wear and contamination of operating elements.
User-friendliness: Automatic dosing and freely programmable flow times ensure consistent disinfection quality - regardless of the user.

In combination with training on hygienic handwashing, the system supports the consistent implementation of KRINKO recommendations and DIN 12980 standards.

Economical, Durable, Investment-Secure

Inspital understands the special requirements in the OR - not only for technology but also for investments. The Scrub Sink systems have been optimized for maximum durability, easy installation, and low follow-up costs.

- Stable stainless steel body (1mm) with durable surface

- Maintenance-friendly design: Access to all technical components from the outside

- Interface compatible: Integration into existing supply structures possible

- Energy-efficient through 24V control system

This keeps long-term operating costs low - with consistently high functionality and hygiene quality.

Future-Proof Hygiene Planning: Part of a Holistic OR Concept

The decision for touchless sinks like the Inspital Scrub Sinks is not only a gain for daily clinical routine - it is also a strategic building block for future-proof OR planning. In times of increasing demands on infection prevention, energy efficiency, and staff safety, it is crucial to integrate hygiene technology that meets not only today's standards but also those of the future. With its modular solutions, Inspital offers the necessary flexibility for individual room concepts - whether in new construction or renovation of existing OR areas. This way, hand disinfection does not become a mere obligation, but an integral part of a well-thought-out, high-performance infrastructure.

Conclusion: Touchless Washing Systems are the Standard of the Future

Germ-free hand disinfection is the foundation of every successful operation. With washbasin-based solutions like the Scrub Sinks from Inspital , hygiene, efficiency, and ergonomics can be optimally combined. The knee operation not only creates safety but also trust - among patients, staff, and hygiene officers.

Rely on a solution that thinks ahead - and has proven itself in the OR.