Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food
Published on: May 6, 2013
Monsel's solution: a potential vector for nosocomial infection?
Mark E Rupp1, Sharon J Medcalf, Paul D Fey
1University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-4031, USA.
Abstract:
Monsel's solution is a common topically applied hemostatic agent used in minor dermatologic and gynecologic surgery. Clinically, because it is often stored for long periods and dispensed from a common source for multiple patients, Monsel's solution is a potential vector for transmission of infection. However, microbiologic inoculation studies and contamination surveys indicate that Monsel's solution has properties that prohibit microbial growth, making it an unlikely vector for nosocomial infection.
Insights
Monsel's solution, a topical hemostatic agent, is commonly used in surgery. Despite concerns about infection transmission, studies show it inhibits microbial growth, making it unlikely to spread hospital-acquired infections.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Gynecology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Monsel's solution is a widely used topical hemostatic agent in dermatologic and gynecologic procedures.
- Concerns exist regarding its potential as a vector for infection transmission due to prolonged storage and multi-patient use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of Monsel's solution to transmit infections in clinical settings.
- To assess the antimicrobial properties of Monsel's solution.
Main Methods:
- Microbiologic inoculation studies were performed.
- Contamination surveys of the solution were conducted.
Main Results:
- Monsel's solution demonstrated properties that effectively prohibit microbial growth.
- Inoculation studies and surveys indicated a low risk of microbial contamination.
Conclusions:
- Monsel's solution is unlikely to serve as a vector for nosocomial infections.
- Its inherent antimicrobial properties ensure patient safety despite common usage protocols.
Related Concept Videos
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
