Boyle’s Law and the Infection Prevention Supply Chain.
By Paul Girouard
Do you remember playing with a balloon as a kid? You’d squeeze or poke one end, and it would bulge in another. That’s Boyle’s Law in action – when temperature stays constant, the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely related. In other words, pressure in one area causes expansion in another.
That same principle applies to today’s infection prevention supply chain. Every day we’re managing pressure from multiple directions: tariffs, clinical compliance, shifting public policy, unpredictable demand spikes, and the global complexity of sourcing. When pressure builds in one part of the system, it creates disruption somewhere else.
Over the years (especially the last five) our industry has learned a lot. But now, more than ever, we need to plan proactively to avoid service interruptions and support our customers in delivering safe care. Here are a few areas to focus on, along with practical solutions we should all be thinking about:
1. Supply chain resilience and readiness
Stockpiling isn’t financially realistic for most distributors or manufacturers. But keeping inventory too lean doesn’t work either. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle.
- Diversify your supply base. Both geographically and by vendor. Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket.
- Review and build cross-reference lists. Include primary, direct alternatives, and even tertiary options. They might not be perfect substitutes, but in tight supply situations, flexibility is key.
- Strengthen your supplier network. Relationships matter in this industry. In moments of crisis, the strength of your network often determines your ability to deliver.
2. Aligning with infection control best practices
You bring more value to your customers when you understand the guidelines they have to follow.
- Spend time on trusted sources like CDC.gov, FDA.gov, and WHO.int. These sites provide clear, updated recommendations on hand hygiene, surface disinfection, sterilization, PPE, and more.
- While the FDA provides product-specific guidance, comprehensive infection prevention protocols – especially around bloodborne pathogens – are set by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1030). These standards guide PPE use, decontamination, and worker protection.
- Use tools like ChatGPT to summarize these documents and stay informed. The more you know, the more you can help your customers stay compliant – and compliance drives demand.
3. Infection prevention as a value-add
This category is more than just gloves and wipes. Infection prevention is complex, dynamic, and full of opportunities to demonstrate value.
- Public policy is shifting.
- Healthcare facilities are often understaffed and overwhelmed.
- Clinical teams need support, and your product knowledge can make a real difference.
Partner with your suppliers to build product formularies that support compliance programs. Help your customers create consistent protocols that protect staff, patients, and bottom lines.
The bottom line
Going back to Boyle’s Law: we know where the pressure is coming from. Our job is to help absorb and redirect that pressure – so our customers don’t feel it.
In 2025, infection prevention isn’t just about PPE. It’s about ensuring healthcare facilities are ready for the next outbreak, meeting ever-changing regulatory expectations, and using technology to drive efficiency.
Distributors who show up as true infection prevention partners – not just product providers – will stand out.
And don’t forget…
Wash your hands.