07. 08. 2025

Surgical Scrub Sinks – Touch-Free, Germ-Free Hands: The Benefits of Knee-Operated Scrub Sinks in Everyday OR Practice

Hospital Management, Inspital Medical Technology, Stainless Steel

Whether a routine procedure or a complex high-risk surgery, uncompromising hygiene is the prerequisite for every successful surgical intervention. However, hygiene doesn’t start on the operating table, but minutes before – with hand washing. 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 OR environment, well-thought-out solutions are needed that seamlessly combine safety and efficiency. Knee-operated washing systems not only offer a technical answer but also set a new standard in touch-free hygiene. Inspital has developed precisely the right products for this – robust, user-friendly, and precisely tailored to the needs of daily clinical practice.

Hygiene begins before the first step

Hand disinfection is more than routine – it is the most important building block for preventing nosocomial infections. Studies show that over 70% of all postoperative wound infections are due 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 hospital.

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

Inspital Scrub Sinks: Thoughtful down to the last detail

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

Key features at a glance:

Knee operation for all functions: Water, soap, and disinfectant are activated via sensor-controlled valves – completely touch-free, with just a gentle knee press.
Antibacterial materials: The basins are made of high-quality Corian®, a non-porous, hygienic, and easy-to-clean mineral material with natural antibacterial properties.
Splash-free design with rounded, 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 access points.

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

More efficiency and safety in hospital operations

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

Time savings: No fumbling with levers or dispensers – intuitive knee operation speeds up the entire preparation process.
Ergonomic work: The operating height and basin shape have been designed to prevent physical strain even with frequent use.
Reduced maintenance: Touch-free 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 hand washing, the system supports the consistent implementation of KRINKO recommendations and DIN 12980 standards.

Economical, durable, investment-proof

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.

- Sturdy stainless steel body (1mm) with a durable surface

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

- Interface compatible: Integration into existing supply structures possible

- Energy-efficient thanks to 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 touch-free scrub sinks like the Inspital Scrub Sinks is not only a gain for daily clinical practice – it is also a strategic component for future-proof OR planning. In times of increasing demands on infection prevention, energy efficiency, and personnel safety, it is crucial to integrate hygiene technology that meets not only current but also future standards. With its modular solutions, Inspital offers the necessary flexibility for individual room concepts – whether in new construction or the renovation of existing OR areas. This makes hand disinfection not a mere obligation, but an integral part of a well-thought-out, high-performance infrastructure.

Conclusion: Touch-free washing systems are the standard of the future

Germ-free hand disinfection is the foundation of every successful operation. With wash station-based solutions like the Inspital Scrub Sinks hygiene, efficiency, and ergonomics can be optimally combined. 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.