Related Experiment Videos
Bacterial contamination of hospital disinfectants
K C Keah1, M Jegathesan, S C Tan
1Pathology Department, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang, Selangor.
Abstract:
A study to determine contamination of diluted disinfectants at different points in preparation and use in 6 Malaysian hospitals was done using the in-use test. A growth of > or = 250 organisms/ml was taken as an indication of contamination. A total of 342 (7.9%) of the 4316 freshly diluted samples collected from disinfectant bottles in the pharmacy were found to be contaminated. The bacterial isolates obtained were Pseudomonas spp. (42.4%), Moraxella spp. (22.0%), Flavobacterium spp. (11.6%) and Enterobacter spp. (4.2%). Three hundred and sixty seven out of 2278 ward stock were contaminated. The isolates were Pseudomonas spp. (48.6%), Moraxella spp. (17.8%), Acinetobacter spp. (8.9%) and Flavobacterium spp. (7.0%). Of the 9265 disinfectants in-use, 1519 (16.4%) were contaminated. Among the organisms isolated were Pseudomonas spp. (44.3%), Bacillus spp. (13.0%), Enterobacter spp. (9.5%) and Acinetobacter spp. (7.3%). The results indicated a high level of contamination of diluted disinfectants prepared in the pharmacy, stored and used in the wards. This gave a high index of suspicion that recommendations for cleaning of disinfectant containers before refilling, handling of diluted stock solutions and using of disinfectants were not closely adhered to. Standard disinfection procedures outlined in the disinfection and sterilization policy by the Ministry of Health should therefore be followed.
Insights
Diluted disinfectants in Malaysian hospitals show high contamination rates, with Pseudomonas species being the most common bacteria. Adherence to standard disinfection procedures is crucial to prevent microbial growth in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Hospital Infection Control
- Public Health
Background:
- Disinfectants are critical for infection prevention in healthcare.
- Contamination of diluted disinfectants can compromise their efficacy.
- Understanding contamination sources is vital for maintaining sterile environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the contamination levels of diluted disinfectants.
- To identify bacterial contaminants at various preparation and usage points.
- To evaluate adherence to disinfection protocols in Malaysian hospitals.
Main Methods:
- Employed the in-use test to evaluate disinfectant contamination.
- Collected samples from pharmacy preparations, ward stock, and in-use solutions.
- Quantified microbial growth (> or = 250 organisms/ml) as an indicator of contamination.
Main Results:
- Significant contamination found in freshly diluted samples (7.9%), ward stock (16.1%), and in-use disinfectants (16.4%).
- Pseudomonas spp. was the predominant isolate across all sample types.
- High contamination rates suggest poor adherence to disinfection handling and preparation guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Diluted disinfectants in Malaysian hospitals are frequently contaminated.
- Inadequate adherence to disinfection policies poses a risk to patient safety.
- Strict implementation of standard disinfection procedures is recommended to ensure disinfectant efficacy.