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Published on: January 27, 2015
Colonization of Yankauer suction catheters with pathogenic organisms
1Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. melissa.brown@sharp.com
Abstract:
Oral suction devices may be fomites for nosocomial infections. This study was designed to evaluate the rate of contamination of Yankauer suction catheters. Among the 20 catheters tested, 16 (80%) yielded cultures for pathogens. Seven (35%) were colonized with multiple pathogens. Among the organisms encountered included methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). These devices should be handled and stored with appropriate care.
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