In the world of veterinary medicine, certain practices and beliefs have been passed down through generations of professionals and become ingrained. One such practice is the notion of "washing it twice"—the idea that to ensure cleanliness and safety, certain items or surfaces should be washed not once, but twice. This mantra has become commonplace, particularly in situations where contamination is suspected, like dealing with potential pathogens such as parvovirus or leptospirosis. But where did this practice originate and, more importantly, is its effectiveness based on science?
Why do veterinary professionals believe in “washing it twice?”
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians often adhere to this principle out of instinct, without necessarily questioning origins or efficacy. It's a reflex response to the desire for thorough cleanliness, especially with potentially hazardous substances. Moreover, in fields like veterinary medicine where contamination can have dire consequences, we are naturally inclined toward extra caution. Washing a load of dirty laundry twice may feel like an added layer of protection, despite the lack of a scientific rationale.
However, critically evaluating such practices, especially when they consume resources and time without clear benefits, is essential. In the case of washing laundry or surfaces twice, it's worth questioning whether the second wash truly adds any value beyond the first wash.
The question then arises—why do we believe that washing items twice is effective when no concrete evidence supports the notion? The answer lies in a combination of tradition, anecdotal evidence and, perhaps, a dash of superstition. Over time, the repetition has cemented this practice as a standard procedure in many veterinary settings, perpetuated by word of mouth rather than empirical data.
Does the theory behind “washing it twice” have any backing?
The absence of published papers or guidelines from authoritative bodies (i.e., the AVMA, CDC, or AAHA) endorsing the notion of washing items twice raises doubts about its validity. Without official or scientific backing, the practice becomes akin to a ritualistic belief—like knocking on wood—rather than a proven method of hygiene.
Why is the theory behind “washing it twice” a problem?
The absence of formal guidelines or published studies should prompt reassessment of our beliefs and practices. Something may have been done a certain way for years, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best or most efficient method.
In the absence of empirical evidence, the veterinary community must encourage and support research that investigates the efficacy of such practices. Without data-driven insights, we risk perpetuating myths and potentially wasting valuable resources on ineffective protocols.
Similarly, in other veterinary practice areas, such as inventory management, challenging unsubstantiated beliefs or practices is essential. The notion of a 10% variance in controlled substances, for instance, may be widely accepted among veterinary professionals, but without the support of concrete regulations or guidelines from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it remains a misconception that could lead to compliance issues and inefficiencies.
How can we do away with the “washing it twice” theory?
So, where do we go from here? How do we navigate the murky waters of unsubstantiated beliefs in our professional practices? The first step is awareness. By acknowledging the lack of evidence supporting certain practices, we open the door to critical examination and potential improvement.
In the case of "washing it twice," veterinary professionals should consider reevaluating their cleaning protocols based on evidence-based practices rather than tradition alone. This may involve conducting studies to determine the most effective methods of decontamination or relying on guidelines established by reputable organizations like the AVMA, CDC, or AAHA.
The idea of "washing it twice" in veterinary practices may have persisted over time, but its effectiveness remains questionable in the absence of scientific evidence. It's time for the veterinary community to critically evaluate such practices and embrace evidence-based approaches to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety for patients and practitioners. Let's leave superstition at the door and welcome a new era of informed decision-making in veterinary medicine.
To do anything well, you should do it right the first time. Ensuring a job is completed fully, accurately, and efficiently the first time conserves critical resources, time, and energy. For a medical-grade clean—the first time—contact our Veterinary System Services team to handle your hospital’s laundry.
