Researchers used data from a previous study they authored where they established the 10 most contaminated sites in the pediatric ICU: bed rails, floor by sink, stethoscopes, return air ducts, bath basin, computer keyboard and mouse, cellphones, the touch screen of the automated medication dispensing system, equipment handles and beside table.
For the new study, they obtained samples for all 10 of the most contaminated pediatric ICU sites from one pediatric ICU before and 48 hours after a terminal cleaning, which is the cleaning performed after the patient has vacated a hospital room or bed, or has ceased to be a source of infection.
Of the samples they collected prior to terminal cleaning, researchers found:
• 17 percent tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus
• 23 percent tested positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• 20 percent tested positive for enteric bacteria
• 43 percent tested positive non-specific bacteria
After the terminal cleaning, researchers found:
• 23 percent of the samples tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus
• 0 percent of the samples tested positive for MRSA
• 10 percent of the samples tested positive for enteric bacteria
• 37 percent of the samples tested positive for non-specific bacteria
The most contaminated areas after the cleaning were the floors near the sink and the return air ducts.
Researchers presented their findings at APIC 2019, the annual conference of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, June 12-14 in Philadelphia.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Universal ‘holy grail’ flu vaccine could be in sight
9 states where minors can get vaccinated without parental consent
Drug-resistant staph found on most nursing students’ cellphones
