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PATHogen PREValence on paper-packaged supplies in PICU bedside supply carts: the PATH-PREV study
Shellie Severson1, Cathy Sheppard2, Angela Bates2,3
1https://ror.org/05w90nk74Stollery Children's Hospital, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|July 14, 2026
Summary
Pathogen detection on single-use supplies in bedside carts was very low. Viral detection was also low, suggesting fomite transmission risk may be overestimated.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Healthcare Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Single-use supplies in bedside carts are often packaged in paper, preventing disinfection.
- Unused supplies may harbor pathogens, posing a risk for healthcare-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens on unused single-use supplies stored in bedside supply carts.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted over 7 weeks in two pediatric intensive care units.
- Swabs were taken from paper-packaged supply items in bedside carts after patient discharge.
- Samples underwent bacterial culture and respiratory viral nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).
Main Results:
- No bacterial pathogens were detected on 840 supply items from 70 carts (0%).
- Non-pathogenic bacteria were found on 5.7% of swabs.
- Respiratory viruses were detected on 2.1% of swabs (NAAT positive).
Conclusions:
- The detection rate of bacterial pathogens on these supplies was extremely low.
- Low viral detection suggests potential overestimation of fomite transmission risk.
- Further research is needed to determine viable virus concentration for transmission.
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