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Poorly processed reusable surface disinfection tissue dispensers may be a source of infection
Günter Kampf1, Stina Degenhardt, Sibylle Lackner
1BODE SCIENCE CENTER, Bode Chemie GmbH, Melanchthonstr, 27, 22525 Hamburg, Germany. guenter.kampf@bode-chemie.de.
Background:
Reusable surface disinfectant tissue dispensers are used in hospitals in many countries because they allow immediate access to pre-soaked tissues for targeted surface decontamination. On the other hand disinfectant solutions with some active ingredients may get contaminated and cause outbreaks. We determined the frequency of contaminated surface disinfectant solutions in reusable dispensers and the ability of isolates to multiply in different formulations.
Methods:
Reusable tissue dispensers with different surface disinfectants were randomly collected from healthcare facilities. Solutions were investigated for bacterial contamination. The efficacy of two surface disinfectants was determined in suspension tests against two isolated species directly from a contaminated solution or after 5 passages without selection pressure in triplicate. Freshly prepared use solutions were contaminated to determine survival of isolates.
Results:
66 dispensers containing disinfectant solutions with surface-active ingredients were collected in 15 healthcare facilities. 28 dispensers from nine healthcare facilities were contaminated with approximately 107 cells per mL of Achromobacter species 3 (9 hospitals), Achromobacter xylosoxidans or Serratia marcescens (1 hospital each). In none of the hospitals dispenser processing had been adequately performed. Isolates regained susceptibility to the disinfectants after five passages without selection pressure but were still able to multiply in different formulations from different manufacturers at room temperature within 7 days.
Conclusions:
Neglecting adequate processing of surface disinfectant dispensers has contributed to frequent and heavy contamination of use-solutions based on surface active ingredients. Tissue dispenser processing should be taken seriously in clinical practice.
Insights
Reusable disinfectant dispensers in hospitals frequently harbor bacteria, posing a risk for healthcare-associated infections. Proper cleaning and processing of these surface disinfectant dispensers are crucial to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
Background:
- Reusable surface disinfectant tissue dispensers offer immediate access for surface decontamination in hospitals.
- Disinfectant solutions, particularly those with surface-active ingredients, can become contaminated, potentially leading to outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of bacterial contamination in reusable surface disinfectant dispensers.
- To assess the ability of isolated bacteria to multiply in various disinfectant formulations.
Main Methods:
- Collected 66 reusable disinfectant dispensers from 15 healthcare facilities.
- Investigated solutions for bacterial contamination and tested disinfectant efficacy against isolated species.
- Assessed bacterial survival in freshly prepared and contaminated use solutions.
Main Results:
- 28 out of 66 dispensers (from 9 facilities) were heavily contaminated (approx. 107 cells/mL) with Achromobacter species or Serratia marcescens.
- Inadequate dispenser processing was noted in all hospitals studied.
- Isolated bacteria could multiply in various disinfectant formulations at room temperature within 7 days.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate processing of surface disinfectant dispensers leads to frequent and significant contamination of use-solutions.
- Strict adherence to proper dispenser processing protocols is essential in clinical practice to prevent microbial growth and potential outbreaks.
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