Reduction of Clinical Culture Contamination in an Inpatient Medical Unit by Revisiting Microbiology Education

J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016 Oct 1;47(10):446-448. doi: 10.3928/00220124-20160920-05.

Abstract

Clinical culture contaminations delay the correct diagnosis, result in repeat testing, and may extend the length of a hospital stay. A simple educational session reminding providers of the ubiquitous presence of bacteria on the skin and in our environment, led to a significant decrease in contaminated cultures (16.9% versus 10.9%, p = 0.03). J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(10):446-448.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Disinfection / methods*
  • Equipment Contamination / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Hand Disinfection / methods*
  • Health Personnel / education*
  • Hospital Units
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microbiology / education*
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin / microbiology*