Contamination in Fetal Membrane Cultures
Author Information
Author(s): W51ner-Hanssen P, Morsing E, Higerstrand I, Hoist E, Ljung i, Herbst A
Primary Institution: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Lund
Hypothesis
The high rate of bacterial growth in fetal membrane cultures is due to contamination from non-sterile gloves used by nurse-midwives.
Conclusion
The high rate of culture positivity reported previously is likely due to contamination from the gloves of the nurse-midwives.
Supporting Evidence
- Culture specimens were obtained from 17 term women.
- Nurse-midwives used the same gloves as during delivery.
- 9 out of 17 cultures from nurse-midwives were positive.
- Only 2 out of 17 cultures from the coauthor were positive.
Takeaway
When doctors took samples from pregnant women, they found that many of the bacteria were likely from dirty gloves, not from the women themselves.
Methodology
Controlled study comparing cultures obtained by nurse-midwives and a coauthor using sterile gloves.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the handling of specimens by nurse-midwives.
Limitations
The study only included 17 cases and may not represent all term deliveries.
Participant Demographics
17 term women delivering during daytime.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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