METHODS: Twenty CSWMS, either Smart Sink or Pharma Lock systems, located in patient care areas were sampled. Twelve were located in critical care areas. Cultures were obtained by swabbing the drain grate with a sterile swab. Swabs were then transported to the microbiology lab for culture. Each sample was labeled with the location of the CSWMS and each system was photographed.
RESULTS: Of the CSWMS sampled, 50% demonstrated bacterial or fungal growth with a total of 15 microorganisms isolated, including 3 systems with Micrococcus luteus, 2 with Aspergillus species, and 2 with -Bacillus cereus. Nine of the 15 microorganisms isolated were from systems in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) followed by 2 microorganisms in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Of the 12 systems sampled in critical care areas, 8 (66%) had positive cultures. Of the 10 systems which demonstrated growth, 9 were Pharma Lock and 1 was Smart Sink.
CONCLUSIONS: Controlled substance waste management systems harbor potential pathogens and may serve as reservoirs of infectious agents in pediatric hospitals. Microbial growth was identified in more than half of sampled CSWMS located in critical care areas, where the most vulnerable patients are located. Based on this study, a cleaning procedure for CSWMS should be implemented. Further investigation on the relationship between CSWMS and nosocomial infections is warranted.
方法:20个CSWMS,无论是智能水槽或Pharma锁系统,位于患者护理区域的样本。十二人位于重症监护区。通过用无菌拭子擦拭排水格栅来获得培养物。然后将拭子运送到微生物学实验室进行培养。用CSWMS的位置标记每个样品,并对每个系统拍照。
结果:在采样的CSWMS中,50%显示细菌或真菌生长,共分离出15种微生物,包括3个带有黄体微球菌的系统,2与曲霉属物种,和2与蜡样芽孢杆菌。分离的15种微生物中有9种来自儿科重症监护病房(PICU)的系统,其次是新生儿重症监护病房(NICU)的2种微生物。在重症监护区采样的12个系统中,8(66%)有阳性培养。在表现出增长的10个系统中,9个是PharmaLock,1个是SmartSink。
结论:受控物质废物管理系统蕴藏着潜在的病原体,并可能成为儿科医院的感染源。位于重症监护区的一半以上的CSWMS样本中发现了微生物生长,最脆弱的病人所在的地方。基于这项研究,应实施CSWMS的清洁程序。需要进一步研究CSWMS与医院感染之间的关系。