title: A microbiological study of absorbent pads.
abstract: A study was carried out of the microbial content of three types of incontinence underpads and a clinical absorbent protection pad. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Bacillus spp. were isolated from unused samples of all makes of pad examined. Clostridium spp., including C. tetani and C. perfringens, were isolated from a proportion of pads containing re-cycled waste material. We recommend that incontinence underpads are used solely for the purpose for which they were marketed, namely, the containment of excreta.
authors.affiliation: Public Health Laboratory, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Sprott
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kearns
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Keenlyside
mesh_terms: D001407:Bacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D001512:Bedding and Linens / Q000592:standards*; D003013:Clostridium / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004209:Disposable Equipment / Q000592:standards; D004739:England; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000517:prevention & control