Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
14:04

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

Contamination of blood pressure cuffs by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and preventive measures

M Matsuo1, S Oie, H Furukawa

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Yamaguchi University Hospital, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube, 755-8505, Japan.

Irish Journal of Medical Science
|May 4, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Blood pressure cuffs frequently harbor methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a significant healthcare concern. Routine disinfection is crucial to prevent MRSA transmission in clinical settings.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

  • Blood pressure cuffs are frequently shared in medical settings.
  • Routine disinfection of these devices is often inadequate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) contamination on blood pressure cuffs.
  • To assess the effectiveness of disinfection methods against MRSA on these devices.

Main Methods:

  • Gauze and swab wiping methods were used to sample the inner surface of blood pressure cuffs from a university hospital.
  • Contamination levels were quantified using colony-forming units (cfu)/cuff.

Main Results:

  • MRSA was detected on 31.4% of blood pressure cuffs sampled using the gauze wiping method.
  • The average MRSA contamination level was 1,702.6 ± 9,996.1 cfu/cuff.
  • No MRSA was detected after washing or wiping with 80% ethanol.

Conclusions:

  • Blood pressure cuffs are a common reservoir for MRSA in healthcare environments.
  • Effective disinfection protocols are necessary to mitigate MRSA transmission risks associated with blood pressure cuffs.

More Related Videos

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring01:25

Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial clinical procedure in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. Despite its significance, the accuracy of blood pressure measurements can be compromised by multiple factors, potentially leading to either falsely high or low readings. These inaccuracies are critical as they can significantly impact patient care. So, it is vital to understand these challenges deeply and adopt strategic approaches to minimize errors.
Several factors...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure01:10

Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure

Accurate blood pressure assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. To ensure the reliability of these measurements, healthcare professionals must adhere to standardized pre-procedural guidelines. These guidelines enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare. The following steps are essential for obtaining accurate and consistent blood pressure readings, from using the appropriate tools to ensuring effective communication with the patient.
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)01:23

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)

Measuring blood pressure is a fundamental skill in healthcare that aids in diagnosing and monitoring hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. An aneroid sphygmomanometer, commonly used in clinical settings, offers a manual and precise method for blood pressure measurement. The technique for using this instrument involves specific steps that must be carefully executed to ensure accuracy. The following detailed description outlines a two-step technique for assessing blood pressure using...