Highlights
- •Contamination remained on the floor after cleaning in most experiments, but was lower when participants used towels to remove bulk fluid.
- •Fluorescein was rarely quantified in the air during cleaning.
- •The soles of participants' shoe covers were contaminated in most experiments.
- •Glove contamination was ubiquitous, and was not associated with the number or frequency of environmental surface contacts.
- •Contamination on the body, when it occurred, most commonly occurred on the legs.
Background
Environmental service workers may be exposed to pathogens during the cleaning of pathogen-containing
bodily fluids.
Methods
Participants with experience cleaning hospital environments were asked to clean simulated,
fluorescein-containing vomitus using normal practices in a simulated patient room.
Fluorescein was visualized in the environment and on participants under black lights.
Fluorescein was quantitatively measured on the floor, in the air, and on gloves and
shoe covers.
Results
In all 21 trials involving 7 participants, fluorescein was found on the floor after
cleaning and on participants' gloves. Lower levels of floor contamination were associated
with the use of towels to remove bulk fluid (ρ = −0.56, P = .01). Glove contamination was not associated with the number or frequency of contacts
with environmental surfaces, suggesting contamination occurs with specific events,
such as picking up contaminated towels. Fluorescein contamination on shoe covers was
measured in 19 trials. Fluorescein was not observed on participants' facial personal
protective equipment, if worn, or faces. Contamination on other body parts, primarily
the legs, was observed in 8 trials. Fluorescein was infrequently quantified in the
air.
Conclusions
Using towels to remove bulk fluid prior to mopping is part of the recommended cleaning
protocol and should be used to minimize residual contamination. Contamination on shoes
and the floor may serve as reservoirs for pathogens.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 21, 2017
Footnotes
Funding/support: Supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epicenter Program through cooperative agreement U54CK000445, and the UIC Epicenter for Prevention of Healthcare Associated Infections.
Conflicts of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
