An audit of the use of manual handling equipment and their microbiological flora--implications for infection control.
A review of the use of manual handling aids in two hospitals found equipment was employed on a multi-patient basis with inadequate cleaning. Sampling with a Casella slit sampler demonstrated frequent contamination by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile of fabric aids. Recommendations for care of equipment are made.
Barnett
J
J
Department of Microbiology, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, UK.
Thomlinson
D
D
Perry
C
C
Marshall
R
R
MacGowan
A P
AP
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004739:England; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D017770:Lifting