A study for the production of containers used in the diagnosis and prevention of infection.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: 1. To study the need of containers used in the diagnosis and prevention of infection. 2. To produce the containers, 3. To test the practicability of the product. MATERIAL AND METHOD: - The study on the need of the containers was done by questionnaires answered by nurses and microbiology laboratory technicians in 56 hospitals. - The containers were produced by the researchers who later had them tested for their practicability by nurses and technicians in the same hospitals. - The study was done during 2002-2004. RESULTS: Fifty-six hospitals were enrolled by stratified random sampling. Questionnaires were responded by 424 nurses and 35 microbiology laboratory technicians. Sputum trap, body fluid and feces containers and needle disposal box were studied and the need for commercial products was 31.1%, 31.1%, 32.3% and 99.5% respectively. Sixteen percent to 58.5% of these containers were bought and 14.3% to 68.6% were home-made. Sputum trap, body fluid and feces containers, and needle disposal boxes were produced and tested by 400 nurses and 32 laboratory technicians. The products were evaluated as satisfactory in 59.4% to 80.0%. The lid of the needle disposal box designed as saw tooth was not convenient for use and was later modified to various slits. The costs of the containers produced were 1.3% to 29.8% of available commercial products. CONCLUSION: Sputum trap, body fluid and feces containers and needle disposal boxes of reasonable prices were needed in Thailand. These containers could be produced locally and were much cheaper than available commercial ones.