Risk Stratification-based Surveillance of Bacterial Contamination in Metropolitan Ambulances.
10.3346/jkms.2011.26.1.124
- Author:
Hyun NOH
1
;
Sang Do SHIN
;
Nam Joong KIM
;
Young Sun RO
;
Hyang Soon OH
;
Se Ik JOO
;
Jung In KIM
;
Marcus Eng Hock ONG
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. shinsangdo@medimail.co.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Bacterial Infections;
Contamination;
Ambulances
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
*Ambulances;
Bacteria/growth & development/*isolation & purification;
Bacterial Infections/diagnosis;
Emergency Medical Services;
*Equipment Contamination;
Equipment and Supplies/*microbiology;
Female;
Humans;
Infection Control;
Male;
Microbial Sensitivity Tests;
Middle Aged;
Risk Factors
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2011;26(1):124-130
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We aimed to know the risk-stratification-based prevalence of bacterial contamination of ambulance vehicle surfaces, equipment, and materials. This study was performed in a metropolitan area with fire-based single-tiered Basic Life Support ambulances. Total 13 out of 117 ambulances (11.1%) were sampled and 33 sites per each ambulance were sampled using a soft rayon swab and aseptic containers. These samples were then plated onto a screening media of blood agar and MacConkey agar. Specific identification with antibiotic susceptibility was performed. We categorized sampling sites into risk stratification-based groups (Critical, Semi-critical, and Non-critical equipment) related to the likelihood of direct contact with patients' mucosa. Total 214 of 429 samples showed positive results (49.9%) for any bacteria. Four of these were pathogenic (0.9%) (MRSA, MRCoNS, and K. pneumoniae), and 210 of these were environmental flora (49.0%). However, the prevalence (positive/number of sample) of bacterial contamination in critical, semi-critical airway, semi-critical breathing apparatus group was as high as 15.4% (4/26), 30.7% (16/52), and 46.2% (48/104), respectively. Despite current formal guidelines, critical and semi-critical equipments were contaminated with pathogens and normal flora. This study suggests the need for strict infection control and prevention for ambulance services.
