Microbial contamination in reusable health care bath basins: An observational descriptive study

Am J Infect Control. 2024 Oct 25:S0196-6553(24)00804-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.10.015. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The relationship between pathogens in the health care environment and health care-associated infection has been well-documented in the literature. No study has been published since 2012 regarding the contamination of reusable bath basins. This brief report aims to determine if basin contamination remains a reservoir for bacteria that may contribute to the risk of spreading microorganisms to vulnerable patients. We address this question with data from multiple sites over 10years.

Keywords: Bath basin; Bathing; Hospital transmission; Hospital-acquired infection; Infection prevention.