Related Experiment Videos
Adhesive tape and intravascular-catheter-associated infections
1University of Toronto Program in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research of Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Adhesive tape is placed in close contact with intravascular catheters for extended periods and could theoretically contribute to local infections. We found that 74% of specimens of tape collected in one hospital were colonized by pathogenic bacteria. However, only 5% of specimens had significant growth from an inner layer obtained by discarding the outside layer from each roll. We suggest that adhesive tape is a potential source of pathogenic bacteria and that discarding the outer layer from a partially used roll might be a simple method for reducing the risk of infection to patients.
Insights
Hospital adhesive tape frequently harbors pathogenic bacteria, potentially causing infections. Discarding the outer tape layer from rolls may reduce patient infection risks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
Background:
- Adhesive tape is commonly used with intravascular catheters.
- Prolonged contact raises theoretical concerns for local infections.
- Pathogenic bacteria on tape could be a source of healthcare-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bacterial colonization of adhesive tape used in hospitals.
- To assess the potential of adhesive tape as a source of pathogenic bacteria.
- To evaluate a simple method for reducing infection risk associated with tape.
Main Methods:
- Collection of adhesive tape specimens from a hospital setting.
- Microbiological analysis of tape specimens to identify bacterial colonization.
- Comparison of bacterial growth from outer and inner tape layers.
Main Results:
- 74% of collected tape specimens showed colonization by pathogenic bacteria.
- Significant bacterial growth was found in only 5% of inner tape layers after discarding the outer layer.
- Outer tape layers demonstrated higher rates of bacterial contamination.
Conclusions:
- Hospital adhesive tape can be a reservoir for pathogenic bacteria.
- Discarding the outer layer of partially used tape rolls may mitigate infection risks.
- Implementing this simple practice could enhance patient safety in healthcare settings.