Tap water as a wound cleansing agent in accident and emergency

Abstract

Objective - To investigate the bacterial cleanliness of tap water in a large accident and emergency (A&E) department for its possible use in the cleansing and irrigation of open traumatic wounds. Methods - Tap water samples were collected from different areas within the department and analysed on two separate occasions for coliforms, S aureus, clostridia, pseudomonas, and β haemolytic streptococci. Results - Pathogenic bacteria were not isolated from the tap water samples within the A&E department. Conclusions - Tap water of drinking quality can be used to irrigate open traumatic wounds.