Microbiota and Particulate Matter Assessment in Portuguese Optical Shops Providing Contact Lens Services
Carla Viegas1,2, Tiago Faria3, Cátia Pacífico4
1GIAS, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa-ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal. carla.viegas@estesl.ipl.pt.
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to assess the microbiota (fungi and bacteria) and particulate matter in optical shops, contributing to a specific protocol to ensure a proper assessment. Air samples were collected through an impaction method. Surface and equipment swab samples were also collected side-by-side. Measurements of particulate matter were performed using portable direct-reading equipment. A walkthrough survey and checklist was also applied in each shop. Regarding air sampling, eight of the 13 shops analysed were above the legal requirement and 10 from the 26 surfaces samples were overloaded. In three out of the 13 shops fungal contamination in the analysed equipment was not detected. The bacteria air load was above the threshold in one of the 13 analysed shops. However, bacterial counts were detected in all sampled equipment. Fungi and bacteria air load suggested to be influencing all of the other surface and equipment samples. These results reinforce the need to improve air quality, not only to comply with the legal requirements, but also to ensure proper hygienic conditions. Public health intervention is needed to assure the quality and safety of the rooms and equipment in optical shops that perform health interventions in patients.
Insights
Optical shops often exceed legal limits for airborne fungi and bacteria, impacting surface hygiene. Improving air quality is crucial for patient safety and regulatory compliance in these healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health
- Occupational hygiene
Background:
- Optical shops provide health services, necessitating stringent hygiene protocols.
- Microbial contamination and particulate matter pose risks in clinical environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fungal and bacterial contamination and particulate matter in optical shops.
- To develop a protocol for evaluating hygiene in optical settings.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling using impaction, surface and equipment swabbing.
- Particulate matter measurement with direct-reading equipment.
- Walkthrough surveys and checklist assessments were conducted.
Main Results:
- Eight of 13 shops exceeded air quality standards for microbial load.
- Ten of 26 surface samples were overloaded with contaminants.
- Bacteria were detected on all sampled equipment, and fungi/bacteria in air influenced surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Many optical shops fail to meet legal air quality requirements.
- Elevated microbial loads necessitate improved hygiene and air quality control.
- Public health interventions are vital to ensure patient safety in optical practices.
