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Bacteriologic studies on electronic hospital thermometers
Infection Control : IC
|July 1, 1981
Summary
Hospital thermometer probe covers often become non-sterile due to handling, posing an infection risk. Forty-three percent of covers tested were non-sterile, with some harboring dangerous pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infections
- Microbiology
- Hospital infection control
Background:
- Electronic thermometers are standard in hospitals.
- Probe covers are used to maintain hygiene.
- Hospital staff handling can compromise probe cover sterility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the non-sterility rate of thermometer probe covers.
- To detect pathogens on used probe covers.
- To evaluate potential infection risks in hospitals.
Main Methods:
- Cultured 180 probe covers from hospital use over 13 weeks.
- Inoculated covers into fluid thioglycollate medium.
- Subcultured to identify microorganisms and pathogens.
Main Results:
- 43% of used probe covers were non-sterile.
- Only 6% of control covers from central supply were non-sterile.
- Potential pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus were detected on 4% of covers.
Conclusions:
- Hospital probe cover handling presents a significant contamination risk.
- Non-sterile probe covers may pose an infection hazard to patients.
- Healthcare personnel should consider probe covers as a contamination source.
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