Potential hazard from spray cleaning of floors in hospital wards

Area of Science:

• Hospital Infection Control
• Microbiology
• Environmental Hygiene

Background:

• Spray cleaning fluids are widely used for hospital floor disinfection.
• The potential for microbial contamination of these fluids during use is a significant concern for healthcare-associated infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk of contamination in hospital spray cleaning fluids.
• To identify the types of microorganisms involved and assess their spread during cleaning procedures.

Main Methods:

• Ten hospital spray cleaning fluid samples in daily use were tested using the Kelsey & Maures 'in-use' test.
• Microbiological analysis identified contaminating bacteria, primarily Gram-negative bacilli (Pseudomonas spp.).
• An experiment simulated contamination of freshly diluted fluid in a new spray container over six days.

Main Results:

• Eight out of ten hospital spray cleaners failed the 'in-use' contamination test.
• Gram-negative bacilli, predominantly Pseudomonas species, were the main contaminants.
• Pseudomonas spp. were detected in air and bedding samples during spray cleaning with contaminated fluid.

Conclusions:

• Hospital spray cleaning fluids are susceptible to microbial contamination, primarily by Pseudomonas.
• Contamination can occur rapidly, even in freshly prepared solutions and new containers.
• Recommendations include using freshly diluted cleaning fluid and daily disinfection of spray containers to mitigate risks.