American journal of infection control
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Inclusion of reusable respirators, such as elastomeric half-face respirators (EHFRs) and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), in hospital respiratory protection inventories may represent 1 solution to the problem of N95 respirator shortages experienced during pandemics. User acceptance of these devices is 1 potential barrier to implementing such a strategy in respiratory protection programs. ⋯ Despite somewhat less favorable ratings on comfort and communication, experienced EHFR and PAPR users still prefer reusable respirators over N95s in certain higher risk scenarios. This suggests that reusable respirators are an acceptable alternative to N95 respirators in health care and offer 1 viable solution to prevent pandemic-generated respirator shortages.
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Am J Infect Control · May 2019
Alternative doffing strategies of personal protective equipment to prevent self-contamination in the health care setting.
Health care workers routinely contaminate skin and clothing when doffing personal protective equipment (PPE). Alternative doffing strategies, such as hand hygiene on gloved hands and double gloving, have been suggested but not validated by comparison against the standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention procedures. ⋯ Participants experienced self-contamination when doffing PPE with both a surrogate marker and live bacteria. Close attention to doffing technique is necessary for optimal results, and one-step procedures may be more effective.
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Am J Infect Control · Apr 2019
Evaluation of disinfectants and wiping substrates combinations to inactivate Staphylococcus aureus on Formica coupons.
Effective disinfection in healthcare facilities prevents healthcare-associated infections. This study evaluated the ability of Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectants (quaternary ammonium compound, QAC; sodium hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide) applied with 3 wiping substrates (microfiber, nonwoven, and cotton) to remove Staphylococcus aureus from Formica surfaces. All treatments reduced S aureus on Formica squares with the exception of QAC applied with cotton and QAC, nondisinfectant, and control applied with a nonwoven cloth. Sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide applied with cotton or microfiber, respectively, may be the best choice for disinfection of Formica surfaces in healthcare settings.
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Am J Infect Control · Mar 2019
Observation of stethoscope sanitation practices in an emergency department setting.
Stethoscopes harbor pathogens that can be transferred to patients when proper sanitary measures are not taken. Our aim was to assess medical provider stethoscope cleaning and hand hygiene in an emergency department setting. ⋯ Rates of stethoscope and hand hygiene performance were lower than expected. Further investigation of stethoscope contamination and the associated risk of nosocomial infection are needed. Perhaps clearer guidelines on proper stethoscope cleaning would reduce this risk.
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Am J Infect Control · Mar 2019
Observational StudyContemporary stethoscope cleaning practices: What we haven't learned in 150 years.
Stethoscopes can be microorganism reservoirs. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published medical equipment disinfection guidelines to minimize infection transmission risk, but studies of guideline adherence have been predominately survey based, with little direct observation of disinfection practices. ⋯ Stethoscopes were disinfected per CDC guidelines in less than 4% of encounters and were not disinfected at all in 82% of encounters. Although hands were rarely cleaned (6.8%) per CDC guidelines, gloves were usually worn, but no convenient stethoscope equivalent exists. Stethoscope cleanliness must be addressed.