Are non-critical medical devices potential sources of infections in healthcare facilities?

Abstract

This paper reviewed studies that investigated the contamination of non-critical medical devices (NCMDs) and their potential as routes for nosocomial infection transmission. Using MEDLINE Entrez PubMed, relevant publications were identified using "nosocomial infections" in combination with each of the following: stethoscopes, ultrasound transducers, tourniquets, pens, scissors, white coats, thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, dermatoscopes and otoscopes. Of 258 studies identified, 51 fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and had sufficient information on microbiological assessment of the NCMDs. All the studies reported microbial contamination of NCMDs, with Staphylococcus species as the predominant contaminant. The studies reported that health workers rarely disinfect NCMDs between uses with different patients. Most studies recorded NCMD contamination rates ranging from 25% to 100%. Percentage contamination of NCMDs by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ranged from 2.3% to 32%. To reduce the possibility of a nosocomial infection transmission through contaminated NCMDs, disinfection of NCMDs before using them on each patient must be strictly adhered to.