| Microbiological contamination of spirometers - an exploratory study in general practice. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 22276288 Owner: NLM Status: In-Data-Review |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Background Spirometry is an important tool when diagnosing chronic respiratory conditions in general practice. However, the equipment may harbour pathogenic micro-organisms and cross-transmission of aerolised pathogens could occur if hygiene measures are insufficient. Methods We assessed microbiological contamination in 16 spirometers from a convenience sample of South Australian general practices. Results We found potentially relevant microbiological contamination in three spirometers: two Pseudomonas spp.; one coagulase negative Staphylococcus sp. and one Alcaligenes sp. Although the three practices concerned all reported to have a written spirometer cleaning protocol in place, the frequency of spirometer disinfection did not match the manufacturers' Discussion Despite the small size of our study sample, we found potentially relevant microbiological contamination in 3 out of 16 spirometers from metropolitan general practices. The potential hazard of spirometers as reservoirs of microorganisms stresses the need for stricter attention to hygiene measures for spirometer maintenance in general practices. |
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Authors:
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Kerry L Hancock; Tjard R Schermer; Christine Holton; Alan J Crockett |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Australian family physician Volume: 41 ISSN: 0300-8495 ISO Abbreviation: Aust Fam Physician Publication Date: 2012 Jan-Feb |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2012-01-25 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0326701 Medline TA: Aust Fam Physician Country: Australia |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 63-4 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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BMBS, is a general practitioner, Happy Valley, South Australia and Senior Lecturer, Primary Care Respiratory Research Unit, Discipline of General Practice, School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, University of Adelaide, South Australia. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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