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Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination of phlebotomy tourniquets and faucets

T Abeywickrama1, K Amarasinghe, S Wijerathne

  • 1BSc. Medical Laboratory Sciences undergraduates, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. kamani.lk@gmail.com

The Ceylon Medical Journal
|May 15, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) frequently contaminates hospital tourniquets and faucets. Plastic tourniquets showed lower MRSA contamination than fabric ones, highlighting potential infection control improvements.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant cause of nosocomial infections, often spread by healthcare personnel and contaminated surfaces (fomites).
  • Understanding fomite contamination is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated MRSA transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the contamination rates of phlebotomy tourniquets and faucets with MRSA in a tertiary care hospital.
  • To compare MRSA contamination between plastic and fabric tourniquets.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving the collection and culturing of 200 tourniquets (50 plastic, 50 fabric) and swabbing of 100 faucets.
  • Samples were cultured on CHROMagar™ MRSA medium.

Main Results:

  • MRSA was detected on 26% of tourniquets and 26% of faucets.
  • Plastic tourniquets showed a trend towards lower contamination compared to fabric ones, though not statistically significant after single use.
  • Faucet contamination varied significantly by hospital ward, with highest rates in dermatology, dental, rheumatology, and neurology.

Conclusions:

  • High rates of MRSA contamination were observed on both tourniquets and faucets.
  • Single-use plastic tourniquets appear to be less contaminated with MRSA than reusable fabric tourniquets, suggesting a potential benefit for infection control.

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