IJCRR - 5(24), December, 2013
Pages: 34-40
EFFECT OF HAND WASHING AMONG NURSING STAFFS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL : A STUDY
Author: Suvarna Sande, Silpi Basak, Vidya Tawade
Category: Healthcare
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Abstract:
Background and objective: Health care Associated Infection (HAI) is a major problem worldwide. Contaminated hands of health care workers (HCWs) play an important role in the transmission of pathogens. Hand washing is considered to be the most effective method for preventing the transmission of micro-organisms between HCWs and patients. Hence the present study was undertaken to detect the microorganisms present on the hands of Nursing staffs before and after hand washing, in a tertiary care hospital. Method: Swabs were collected from 150 nursing staffs working in various wards and Intensive Care Units (ICUs), from hands before and after hand washing with antimicrobial soap. Swabs were inoculated on blood agar and Mac-Conkey’s agar. Microorganisms were identified by standard methods. Detection of HAI pathogens were done according to Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Result: Out of total 150 samples collected before hand washing, growth was observed in107 (71.3%) samples and no growth in 43(28.7%) samples. Apart from skin commensals, Staphylococcus aureus (20.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (4.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (6%), E.coli (4%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.3%) were detected. 05 Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains were also isolated from hand swabs collected before hand washing. No growth was obtained in 128 (85.3%) samples and growth were observed in 22 (14.7%) samples after hand washing , Conclusion: It is important to perform proper procedure of hand washing technique using an adequate quantity of antimicrobial soap to cover all skin surfaces for the recommended length of time.
Keywords: Health care Associated Infection (HAI), Hand hygiene
Citation:
Suvarna Sande, Silpi Basak, Vidya Tawade. EFFECT OF HAND WASHING AMONG NURSING STAFFS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL : A STUDY International Journal of Current Research and Review. 5(24), December, 34-40
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