The effect of decontamination using quaternary ammonium chloride on the bacterial burden of hospital privacy curtains

This quasi-experimental study aimed to identify the effect of decontamination using quaternary ammonium chloride (QAC) on bacterial burden on hospital privacy curtains. The objects were the high-touch edges of 66 polyester curtains in inpatient wards. The decontamination was performed daily (n = 22), twice-weekly (n = 22), or not performed (n = 22) for 28 days. The bacterial burden on the curtains was measured based on the number of bacteria, the proportion of curtains with >2.5 colony-forming unit/cm² , and the proportion of curtains with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). As a result, the daily or twice-weekly decontamination groups showed a significantly lower increase in bacterial burden than the no-decontamination group overall and at all four posttest times. On day 28, daily decontamination showed a lower increase in the number of bacteria (p < 0.001) and proportions of curtains with >2.5 colony form units/cm² (p < 0.001) than the no-decontamination condition, and in the number of curtains with MDROs than twice-weekly decontamination. In conclusion, decontamination of curtains using QAC helps reduce bacterial burden, and daily decontamination is recommended up to 28 days after installation.