2021/08/16 by John M. Boyce, Nancy L. Havill, Kerri A. Guercia +1
Immunology and Microbiology · Medicine · #Infection Control and Ventilation #Infection Control in Healthcare #Medical Device Sterilization and Disinfection
paper · doi:10.1017/ice.2021.349
openalex publication_date 2021/08/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
OBJECTIVES: Estimated levels of microbial burden on hospital environmental surfaces vary substantially among published studies. Cultures obtained during a cluster-controlled crossover trial of a quaternary ammonium (Quat) disinfectant versus an improved hydrogen peroxide (IHP) disinfectant provided additional data on the amount of microbial burden on selected surfaces. METHODS: RODAC plates containing D/E neutralizing agar were used to sample a convenience sample of 5-8 high-touch surfaces in patient rooms on 2 medical wards, an intensive care unit, and a step-down unit at a large hospital. Before routine daily cleaning, samples were obtained in varying rooms over an 11-month period. RODAC plates (1 per surface sampled) were incubated for 72 hours, and aerobic colony counts per plate (ACCs) were determined. Statistical analysis was used to determine the potential impact on ACCs of study period, cleaning compliance rate, disinfectant used, ward, surface sampled, and isolation room status. RESULTS: = .036). The highest mean ACCs per RODAC plate were on toilet seats (112.8), bedside rails (92.0), and bathroom grab bars (79.5). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of factors analyzed revealed that estimating microbial burden is complex and is affected by multiple factors. Additional studies should evaluate individual sites, ward types, cleaning and disinfection practices, and isolation room status.