Environmental contamination by bacteria in hospital washrooms according to hand-drying method: a multi-centre study

The Journal of Hospital Infection
E L BestM H Wilcox

Abstract

Hand hygiene is a fundamental component of infection prevention, but few studies have examined whether hand-drying method affects the risk of dissemination of potential pathogens. To perform a multi-centre, internal-crossover study comparing bacterial contamination levels in washrooms with hand-drying by either paper towels (PT) or jet air dryer (JAD; Dyson). A total of 120 sampling sessions occurred over 12 weeks in each of three hospitals (UK, France, Italy). Bacteria were cultured from air, multiple surfaces, and dust. Washroom footfall (patients/visitors/staff) was monitored externally. Footfall was nine times higher in UK washrooms. Bacterial contamination was lower in PT versus JAD washrooms; contamination was similar in France and the UK, but markedly lower in Italian washrooms. Total bacterial recovery was significantly greater from JAD versus PT dispenser surfaces at all sites (median: 100-300 vs 0-10 cfu; all P < 0.0001). In the UK and France, significantly more bacteria were recovered from JAD washroom floors (median: 24 vs 191 cfu, P < 0.00001). UK meticillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus recovery was three times more frequent and six-fold higher for JAD vs PT surfaces (both P < 0.0001). UK meticillin-resistant ...Continue Reading

Citations

Jul 29, 2020·Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health·Jessie J Ma
Aug 15, 2020·Journal of Applied Microbiology·K A ReynoldsD J McClelland
Feb 13, 2020·Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·Po Ying ChiaKalisvar Marimuthu
Sep 26, 2020·British Journal of Nursing : BJN·John Gammon, Julian Hunt
Mar 18, 2021·Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology : the Official Journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America·Ines B MouraMark H Wilcox
Apr 11, 2021·American Journal of Infection Control·Perrine MarcenacAmanda Garcia-Williams
Aug 8, 2021·Infectious Disease Clinics of North America·John M Boyce

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