Dispose of disposables?
We investigated the implications of a change from disposable to regular crockery and cutlery, and the installation of a dishwasher on a 12-bedded-infectious diseases ward. A limited microbiological study of used disposable cutlery revealed contamination by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus of one utensil out of 12. Changing to conventional utensils could be recommended if a dishwasher meeting DHSS requirements was installed and safe working practices introduced.
Redpath
C
C
Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK.
Farrington
M
M
D003297:Cooking and Eating Utensils; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D005521:Food Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D006113:United Kingdom