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Related Experiment Videos

Bacteriologic studies on electronic hospital thermometers

L Smith, H N Prince, E Johnson

    Infection Control : IC
    |July 1, 1981
    PubMed
    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.

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    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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