Dispersal of gram-negative bacilli from contaminated sink drains to cover gowns and hands during hand washing

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2019 Apr;40(4):460-462. doi: 10.1017/ice.2019.25. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Abstract

We demonstrated that hand washing resulted in frequent dispersal of gram-negative bacilli from colonized sink drains in hospitals to cover gowns and hands. A plastic drain cover reduced but did not eliminate the risk for contamination. This mechanism of dispersal could result in contamination of healthcare personnel and patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cross Infection / microbiology*
  • Equipment Contamination
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Hand / microbiology*
  • Hand Disinfection / methods
  • Health Personnel
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Protective Clothing / microbiology*