Mr Roel Castillo1, Ms Christine Overend1
1Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie University, Australia
With increasing evidence that the environment plays a key role in transmission of pathogens to patients, there is emphasis on objectively measuring cleaning outcomes as means to reduce micro contaminants in patient care areas. There are two ways to monitor cleanliness. One is visual verification, the naked eye is unable to recognize micro contamination that causes HAIs and the other, microbial sampling for laboratory analysis. A reliable method of measurement and quick result for immediate rectification is necessary to ensure level of cleanliness is attained to prevent HAIs.
Results from a preliminary sampling utilising ATP bioluminescence measured in RLU indicated a variability of cleanliness in tested sample areas, thus indicate relevance of monitoring cleanliness in operating theatre complex.
This study will improve the consistency and quality of cleaning practices. A reliable method of measuring cleaning levels via micro contamination measurements with instantaneous results enables the facility to reclean/retest preventing HAIs.
