[Hygienic risks associated with sanitary installations and medical equipment in hospitals (author's transl)].
The risk of transmission of nosocomial infections associated with technical installations in hospitals probably is not very important. The way of infection (e.g. airborne particles, droplets, fluids, fomites, contact with persons) must be considered and an estimation as to their importance should be tried. Transport systems and air-conditioning plants are discussed as possible transmitters of infectious particles by air and UV-radiation and air-locks in their role as preventive measures. Fluides which can allow a microbial growth are part of many sanitary installations and medical equipment. They may cause transmissions of great numbers of pathogenes to susceptible patients. In this context, ultrasonic inhalators, irrigators, dialysis equipment and faucet aerators are discussed. Concerning transmission by contact, bed-pan washers, endoscopes and anaesthetic tools are mentioned and finally the role of industrial procedures, the extent and function of which can't be supervised by the medical personn,el, must be submitted to adequate microbiological controls. Physicians should pronounce more clearly then before their interest in equipment which can easily be sterilized.
D000389:Air Conditioning / Q000592:standards; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000295:instrumentation; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D004203:Disinfection; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D006749:Hospital Design and Construction / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000009:adverse effects; D014038:Toilet Facilities; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
Hygienische Gefahrenquellen im apparativen und technischen Bereich des Krankenhauses