Healthcare professionals are already aware of many of the common places that harbor bacteria. However, more research and studies show that there may be additional places, even in an ASC setting, that bacteria can grow, which can lead to infections. Here are three of some of the most surprising places bacteria can be found.
1. Computer devices. Linda Shapiro, program manager at Qualstar in Simi Valley, Calif., says people sometimes overlook how often they touch their computer devices, particularly their mouse and keyboard. Whether your ASC is paper-based or already has an electronic medical record still in place, extra precaution should be taken to ensure computer devices are frequently and adequately wiped down. Ms. Shapiro says ASCs should ensure deep cleaning between the keys and in crevices where bacteria can live up to 48 hours on hard surfaces, resulting in the possibility of health care workers and patients spreading infections.
"Computer equipment is challenging to disinfect because of the delicate circuitry, therefore these devices are frequently overlooked. Computer devices harbor bacteria especially in between the crevices where it is even harder to disinfect. In the crevices, the germs have a place to breed and multiply because of the warmth and humidity," she says.
2. Artificial nails or chipped nail polish. One unsuspecting danger to ASCs is when staff members wear artificial nails or continue to wear chipped nail polish. Ms. Shapiro says even though healthcare professionals clean their hands with surgical soaps and sanitizers, bacteria is still harbored in the small cracks that can be found in artificial nails or chipped polish.
"My guess as to why bacteria still lingers in these places even after staff members wash their hands is that sometimes the chemicals used in nail polish can separate," she says. "It's just like when fungi grows in nails from cracked nails. The moisture and warmth between the cracked nails is a good place for bacteria to thrive and cause infection. When fungi is found in the nail, this can be treated, although usually the nail has to be completely grown out before the fungi is gone.
3. Elevator buttons. ASCs in multi-level buildings with elevators may want to add elevators buttons onto the list of places that need regular disinfecting. A recent swab study conducted by the University of Arizona indicates that the level of bacteria on elevator buttons can be as much as 40 times greater than amounts found on public toilet seats. Researchers carried out swab tests in hotels, restaurants and other locations, which ultimately showed bacteria levels averaged 313 colony forming units per square centimeter. Public toilet seats average 8 CFUs per square centimeter.
Learn more about Qualstar.
1. Computer devices. Linda Shapiro, program manager at Qualstar in Simi Valley, Calif., says people sometimes overlook how often they touch their computer devices, particularly their mouse and keyboard. Whether your ASC is paper-based or already has an electronic medical record still in place, extra precaution should be taken to ensure computer devices are frequently and adequately wiped down. Ms. Shapiro says ASCs should ensure deep cleaning between the keys and in crevices where bacteria can live up to 48 hours on hard surfaces, resulting in the possibility of health care workers and patients spreading infections.
"Computer equipment is challenging to disinfect because of the delicate circuitry, therefore these devices are frequently overlooked. Computer devices harbor bacteria especially in between the crevices where it is even harder to disinfect. In the crevices, the germs have a place to breed and multiply because of the warmth and humidity," she says.
2. Artificial nails or chipped nail polish. One unsuspecting danger to ASCs is when staff members wear artificial nails or continue to wear chipped nail polish. Ms. Shapiro says even though healthcare professionals clean their hands with surgical soaps and sanitizers, bacteria is still harbored in the small cracks that can be found in artificial nails or chipped polish.
"My guess as to why bacteria still lingers in these places even after staff members wash their hands is that sometimes the chemicals used in nail polish can separate," she says. "It's just like when fungi grows in nails from cracked nails. The moisture and warmth between the cracked nails is a good place for bacteria to thrive and cause infection. When fungi is found in the nail, this can be treated, although usually the nail has to be completely grown out before the fungi is gone.
3. Elevator buttons. ASCs in multi-level buildings with elevators may want to add elevators buttons onto the list of places that need regular disinfecting. A recent swab study conducted by the University of Arizona indicates that the level of bacteria on elevator buttons can be as much as 40 times greater than amounts found on public toilet seats. Researchers carried out swab tests in hotels, restaurants and other locations, which ultimately showed bacteria levels averaged 313 colony forming units per square centimeter. Public toilet seats average 8 CFUs per square centimeter.
Learn more about Qualstar.
