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Bacterial colonization of respiratory therapists' pens in the intensive care unit

David F Wolfe1, Scott Sinnett, James L Vossler

  • 1Department of Respiratory Therapy Education, Room 0213, AC Silverman Building, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse NY 13210, USA. wolfed@upstate.edu

Respiratory Care
|March 31, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pens used by healthcare workers can harbor bacteria, potentially contributing to the spread of infections in hospitals. This study found bacteria on most pens used in an intensive care unit, highlighting the need to consider writing instruments as fomites.

Area of Science:

  • Infection Control
  • Microbiology
  • Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

  • Preventing nosocomial infections is critical in healthcare settings.
  • While person-to-person transmission is known, the role of fomites (inanimate objects) in spreading infections is less understood.
  • Non-medical devices, such as writing implements, have received limited attention as potential fomites.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and types of bacteria on writing implements (pens) used by respiratory therapists in an intensive care unit (ICU).
  • To assess the potential role of pens as fomites in the transmission of microorganisms within a hospital environment.

Main Methods:

  • Collected pens from 20 respiratory therapists working in an ICU.
  • Cultured, enumerated, and identified bacteria present on the collected pens.

Main Results:

  • Bacteria were detected on 17 out of 20 pens sampled.
  • The average bacterial load was 126 colony-forming units per pen (range 0-1,250).
  • Coagulase-negative staphylococci were identified on all contaminated pens, and Micrococcus species were found on four pens.

Conclusions:

  • Pens can serve as fomites, potentially contributing to nosocomial infections, even if common hospital pathogens were not detected.
  • Current protocols for reducing infectious agent transmission may need to include writing instruments.
  • Assigning specific pens to specific rooms is a potential strategy to mitigate transmission risks.

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