Equipment contamination in an intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective: To assess the contamination of equipment in an intensive care unit before and after the cleaning/ disinfection routine. Methods: The researchers used 26 sterile swabs, moistened in 0.9% saline solution, rolled in their own axis, before and immediately after cleaning/disinfection, on surfaces of collectively handled equipment in an intensive care unit, for laboratory culture. Results: In pre-disinfection, all computer keyboards presented growth of coagulase-negative staphylococcus; staphylococcus hominis was found on the workbench of drug preparation and in the electrocardiogram machine; and Staphylococcus haemolyticus was found on the telephone and on the service schedule chart. The keyboards remained contaminated after being cleaned. The bench also presented Pseudomonas aeruginosa after the use of a multi-purpose cleaning product. Pieces of equipment disinfected with 70% alcohol did not present bacterial growth. Conclusion: The contamination of equipment in the studied intensive care unit was confirmed, as well as the efficacy of 70% alcohol in its disinfection.