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BACKGROUND
Sinks are potential sources of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) and have been
linked to outbreaks. However, transmission of microorganisms from sink to patient
is not well understood. Sink contents may be splashed onto patient care items, contaminating
them during faucet use. A splash study was performed to understand the splash potential
of the different faucet and sink designs in a larger academic teaching hospital in
the Midwest, and an audit of sink cleanliness was conducted.
METHODS
Faucets/sinks in intensive care units (ICU) were assessed. Adenosine triphosphate
(ATP) monitoring was used to assess cleanliness of the faucet spout and sink bowl/drain
cover. Cultures were performed for some faucets/sinks. A splash study was performed
using a commercially available fluorescent indicator. Photos were taken to record
notable findings during the audit and the splash study.
RESULTS
Twenty faucet/sinks in four ICU's were evaluated, and eight different designs were
observed. Faucet spouts were more soiled with organic material than sink bowls/drain
covers as indicated by higher ATP readings. Pink slime/biofilm was observed on several
faucet spouts and aerators. Visible biofilm was associated with higher ATP readings.
Aerators were found on sinks where they had been removed previously. Cultures grew
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, mold and other environmental organisms. The splash study showed
visible splashing on the operator's body and over four feet from the sink.
CONCLUSIONS
Some sink designs enable splashing sink contents onto patient care items, healthcare
worker hands and into patient care spaces. Faucets were much dirtier than expected
and a faucet replacement program, eliminating aerators, is currently being developed.
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Copyright
© 2019 Published by Elsevier Inc.
