title: An audit of the use of manual handling equipment and their microbiological flora--implications for infection control.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barnett
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Thomlinson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: MacGowan
mesh_terms: 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