Using UV Markers to Check Toilet Cleaning for C. difficile
Author Information
Author(s): Alfa Michelle J, Dueck Christine, Olson Nancy, DeGagne Pat, Papetti Selena, Wald Alana, Lo Evelyn, Harding Godfrey
Primary Institution: University of Manitoba
Hypothesis
Can a UV-visible marker be used to assess the cleaning compliance of housekeeping staff for toilets in a healthcare setting?
Conclusion
The study found that using a UV-visible marker effectively monitored cleaning compliance, revealing significant shortcomings in cleaning protocols for toilets used by patients with C. difficile.
Supporting Evidence
- The average cleaning score for toilets of patients on isolation precautions was 1.23.
- C. difficile was detected in 33% of samples from toilets of patients with CDAD.
- 72% of the time, commodes were not cleaned properly.
Takeaway
This study used a special lotion that glows under UV light to see if toilets were cleaned properly. It showed that many toilets weren't cleaned well, especially for patients with a certain infection.
Methodology
The study applied a UV-visible marker to toilets and visually scored the cleaning compliance, while also testing for C. difficile presence using Rodac plates.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in reporting cleaning compliance due to observational nature of the study.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was limited to a specific healthcare setting.
Participant Demographics
Patients with diarrhea, some confirmed to have C. difficile and others not, in a healthcare setting.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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