Scissors: a potential source of nosocomial infection

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infection Control
• Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

• Surgical and utility scissors are essential tools in healthcare settings.
• Concerns exist regarding the potential for contaminated instruments to transmit healthcare-associated infections.
• Previous studies have not comprehensively assessed the microbial burden on healthcare workers' scissors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of bacterial colonization on healthcare workers' scissors.
• To identify factors associated with increased contamination.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of disinfection methods.

Main Methods:

• A point-prevalence survey was conducted involving 232 healthcare workers' scissors.
• Bacterial cultures were performed on sampled scissors.
• Data on scissor usage, cleaning practices, and disinfection methods were collected.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of bacterial colonization was observed, with 182 out of 232 (78.4%) scissors testing positive.
• Scissors used by nurses and those designated for communal use showed the highest contamination rates.
• Scissors were infrequently cleaned, but wiping with an alcohol swab demonstrated effective disinfection.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare workers' scissors frequently harbor bacteria, confirming suspicions of their role in microbial transmission.
• Communal and nursing scissors represent high-risk items for bacterial contamination.
• Implementing regular cleaning protocols and utilizing alcohol swabs can mitigate the risk of pathogen transmission via scissors.