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Surface microbial contamination in hospitals: A pilot study on methods of sampling and the use of proposed

Tânia Claro1, Marese O'Reilly1, Stephen Daniels2

  • 1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Education and Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

American Journal of Infection Control
|June 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Hospital surfaces, especially toilet door handles, show significant bacterial contamination, often exceeding proposed microbiology standards. Further research is needed on sampling methods and standard applicability.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Hospital Infection Control
  • Environmental Hygiene

Background:

  • Bacterial contamination of hospital surfaces is a growing concern.
  • Healthcare-associated infections are linked to environmental microbial load.
  • Standardized methods for assessing surface contamination are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess bacterial contamination levels on commonly touched hospital surfaces.
  • To compare contamination data against proposed microbiology standards.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of different sampling methods (contact plates vs. Petrifilms).

Main Methods:

  • Contact plates and Petrifilms were used to sample hospital surfaces.
  • Bacterial colony forming units (CFU)/cm(2) were quantified.
  • Results were compared against established or proposed microbiological standards.

Main Results:

  • Toilet door handles exhibited the highest contamination levels (7.97 ± 0.68 CFU/cm(2)).
  • Proposed standards were exceeded on 74% of toilet door handle samples.
  • Petrifilms detected statistically higher CFU counts on bedside lockers compared to contact plates.

Conclusions:

  • Hospital surfaces, particularly high-touch areas like toilet door handles, are frequently contaminated beyond acceptable levels.
  • Current proposed microbiology standards may not be adequately met by many hospital surfaces.
  • Further investigation into the optimal use of standards and sampling techniques is warranted.
Keywords:
Contact platesEnvironmental contaminationHospital surfacesHygiene standardsPetrifilms

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