Environmental Contaminants in Hospital Settings and Progress in Disinfecting Techniques
Joint Authors
Messina, Gabriele
Ceriale, Emma
Lenzi, Daniele
Burgassi, Sandra
Azzolini, Elena
Manzi, Pietro
Source
Issue
Vol. 2013, Issue 2013 (31 Dec. 2013), pp.1-8, 8 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2013-10-30
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
8
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Medical devices, such as stethoscopes, and other objects found in hospital, such as computer keyboards and telephone handsets, may be reservoirs of bacteria for healthcare-associated infections.
In this cross-over study involving an Italian teaching hospital we evaluated microbial contamination (total bacterial count (TBC) at 36°C/22°C, Staphylococcus spp., moulds, Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., E.
coli, total coliform bacteria, Acinetobacter spp., and Clostridium difficile) of these devices before and after cleaning and differences in contamination between hospital units and between stethoscopes and keyboards plus handsets.
We analysed 37 telephone handsets, 27 computer keyboards, and 35 stethoscopes, comparing their contamination in four hospital units.
Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney tests were used.
Before cleaning, many samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp.
and coliforms.
After cleaning, CFUs decreased to zero in most comparisons.
The first aid unit had the highest and intensive care the lowest contamination (P<0.01).
Keyboards and handsets had higher TBC at 22°C (P=0.046) and mould contamination (P=0.002) than stethoscopes.
Healthcare professionals should disinfect stethoscopes and other possible sources of bacterial healthcare-associated infections.
The cleaning technique used was effective in reducing bacterial contamination.
Units with high patient turnover, such as first aid, should practise stricter hygiene.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Messina, Gabriele& Ceriale, Emma& Lenzi, Daniele& Burgassi, Sandra& Azzolini, Elena& Manzi, Pietro. 2013. Environmental Contaminants in Hospital Settings and Progress in Disinfecting Techniques. BioMed Research International،Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1004293
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Messina, Gabriele…[et al.]. Environmental Contaminants in Hospital Settings and Progress in Disinfecting Techniques. BioMed Research International No. 2013 (2013), pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1004293
American Medical Association (AMA)
Messina, Gabriele& Ceriale, Emma& Lenzi, Daniele& Burgassi, Sandra& Azzolini, Elena& Manzi, Pietro. Environmental Contaminants in Hospital Settings and Progress in Disinfecting Techniques. BioMed Research International. 2013. Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1004293
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1004293