Contamination of X-ray cassettes with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a radiology department.

BACKGROUND: We performed surveillance cultures of the surfaces of X-ray cassettes to assess contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS: The surfaces of 37 X-ray cassettes stored in a radiology department were cultured using mannitol salt agar containing 6 µg/mL oxacillin. Suspected methicillin-resistant staphylococcal colonies were isolated and identified by biochemical testing. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis was performed to determine the clonal relationships of the contaminants. RESULTS: Six X-ray cassettes (16.2%) were contaminated with MRSA. During the isolation procedure, we also detected 19 X-ray cassettes (51.4%) contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSH), identified as yellow colonies resembling MRSA on mannitol salt agar. PFGE analysis of the MRSA and MRSH isolates revealed that most isolates of each organism were identical or closely related to each other, suggesting a common source of contamination. CONCLUSIONS: X-ray cassettes, which are commonly in direct contact with patients, were contaminated with MRSA and MRSH. In hospital environments, contaminated X-ray cassettes may serve as fomites for methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

Contamination of X-ray Cassettes with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a Radiology Department

BACKGROUND: We performed surveillance cultures of the surfaces of X-ray cassettes to assess contamination with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS: The surfaces of 37 X-ray cassettes stored in a radiology department were cultured using mannitol salt agar containing 6 microg/mL oxacillin. Suspected methicillin-resistant staphylococcal colonies were isolated and identified by biochemical testing. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis was performed to determine the clonal relationships of the contaminants. RESULTS: Six X-ray cassettes (16.2%) were contaminated with MRSA. During the isolation procedure, we also detected 19 X-ray cassettes (51.4%) contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSH), identified as yellow colonies resembling MRSA on mannitol salt agar. PFGE analysis of the MRSA and MRSH isolates revealed that most isolates of each organism were identical or closely related to each other, suggesting a common source of contamination. CONCLUSIONS: X-ray cassettes, which are commonly in direct contact with patients, were contaminated with MRSA and MRSH. In hospital environments, contaminated X-ray cassettes may serve as fomites for methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

Minimal cross-infection risk through Icare rebound tonometer probes: a useful tool for IOP-screenings in developing countries.

AIMS: Recently, a new rebound tonometer has been introduced into the market, which might be useful for glaucoma screenings in developing countries. Disposable probes, that are potentially reusable, are recommended by the manufacturer. Our study aimed to address the question of microbial transmission risks if the probes are reused. METHODS: IOP measurements were obtained from 100 healthy eyes. The used probes were inoculated on broth and culture media. In addition, 10 probes were analyzed using environmental scanning electron microscopy in saturated hydrogen-steam atmosphere after usage and wipe disinfection technique with Sekusept 4% solution or Isopropanol 70%. RESULTS: No bacterial or fungal growth could be detected in any of the inoculated agar plates or broth tubes. No microorganisms, clumps of cells, or single intact epithelium cells were detected in any of the probes using environmental scanning electron microscopy. Cell debris was detected on seven probes; three probes were completely free of any residual cell elements. CONCLUSION: Transmission of possibly infective material through reused probes is significantly less than for reusable Goldmann probes if the same sterilization protocols are applied. Re-usage of the probes appears safe and is helpful in avoiding unnecessary costs.

[Efficacy of an antibacterial filter for preventing contamination of respiratory function diagnostic equipment]. / Eficacia de un filtro antibacteriano en la prevención de la contaminación de equipos de exploración funcional respiratoria.

OBJECTIVES: Devices to assess lung function are a potential source of nosocomial infection. Our aims in this study were: 1) to determine the efficacy of an antimicrobial filter to prevent contamination of a multifunctional device; 2) to assess the ability of the filter to prevent cross contamination of individuals being tested; and 3) to evaluate the efficacy of the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery for disinfecting lung function equipment. DESIGN: In this prospective, randomized study in two phases we used filters in phase 1 but not in phase 2. A pharyngeal swab culture was started within 7 days of a patient's lung function test. Swab samples for culturing were taken from three different places in the equipment at the beginning and end of each working day. PATIENTS: Sixty-five patients (31 in phase 1 and 34 in phase 2) were studied. Thirty-two (49.2%) were men and the mean age was 49.4 15.7 years. RESULTS: Significantly less equipment contamination was found in phase 1 (4.2%) than in phase 2 (21%). We detected no cases of cross contamination using the criteria in this study. No cultures from any of the samples taken before exploration were positive. CONCLUSIONS: a) The antimicrobial filter used is effective for preventing the contamination of lung function testing equipment, b) throughout both phases of the study, we observed no cross contamination of patients tested, such that we cannot conclude that the antimicrobial filter is effective for preventing possible nosocomial infections, c) the recommendations of SEPAR for disinfecting lung function equipment are effective.

Fiberoptic intraparenchymal brain pressure monitoring with the Camino V420 monitor: reflections on our experience in 163 severely head-injured patients.

To assess the safety and accuracy of the Camino intraparenchymal sensor, we prospectively evaluated hemorrhagic complications, zero-drift, infection, and system malfunction in 163 patients monitored after a severe head injury. Mean duration of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring was 5 +/- 2.2 days (range: 12 h to 11 days). Of the 141 patients with a control CT scan, four showed a 1-2-cc collection of blood at the catheter's end. When removed, the sensors underread the true ICP value (negative zero-drift) in 80 of the 126 sensors evaluated (63.5%). Fourteen sensors showed no zero-drift, and 32 sensors overread the true ICP value (positive zero-drift) (median: -1 mm Hg; interquartile range: -4 to +1 mm Hg). No significant relationship was found between zero-drift, the surgeon who implanted the sensor, intracranial hypertension, or duration of ICP monitoring. No clinical infections could be attributed to the devices. Sixteen patients (9.8%) required more than one ICP sensor due to malfunctioning of the system. In conclusion, continuous ICP monitoring using the Camino intraparenchymal sensor has a low complication rate. However, this sensor may underread the real ICP values in a high number of patients. The lack of correlation between duration of ICP monitoring and zero-drift suggests that, contrary to the recommendations of other reports, the intraparenchymatous Camino sensor can provide reliable readings after the fifth day of use.