Infection control in hydrotherapy

Bacteria which flourish in untreated whirlpool and hubbard tank water may cause disease in people who are elderly, debilitated, or on antibiotics. This study compared various bactericidal agents in order to find the most economical, convenient and effective way to prevent infection occurring in patients undergoing hydrotherapy. Samples of water from a hubbard tank and two whirlpool baths were tested for colony count and culture before, during and after use, while regular patient loads and cleaning procedures were in effect. A germicidal detergent, an iodophor, and two chlorine agents were tried in succession. Acceptability to patients, effectiveness against bacteria, cost, and ease of handling were compared. The germicidal detergent only killed some bacteria and was very foamy. The iodophor was expensive and stained the tanks. Household bleach was unreliable in its effect hard to handle, and produced many complaints of "chlorine" smell. Stabilized granular chlorine treatment of the water provided an excellent infection control method for the physiotherapy department in this study.