Carpeting in hospitals: an epidemiological evaluation

Abstract

Epidemiological and microbiological studies were conducted in a hospital room with carpet (CR) and in one with carpet (NCR). Microbiological profiles were determined with specimens obtained from patients admitted to these rooms. Patient records were reviewed to note infection status and other case identities. Eleven-millimeter cylindrical core samples of carpet were obtained, and swab template techniques were used on the bare floor for subsequent enumeration and identification of contaminating microorganisms. In each sampling period, higher microbial counts per square inch (1 in(2) = ca 6.452 cm(2)) were measured for the carpet than for the bare floor. Recovery rates of Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli were higher from carpet samples than from bare floor samples. Typable organisms (such as E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus) obtained from patients were also more frequently recovered from the carpet than from the bare flooring. Patients who stayed in the CR were shown to be colonized with the same types of organisms as those initially recovered from the carpet. However, no statistically significant differences were found in patients in the CR versus NCR in colonization with all typable and nontypable organisms first found on the floor. Disease in patients was found not to be associated with organisms found as contaminants of the carpet or the bare floor. Air above carpeting contained more consistent concentrations of organisms than air above the bare flooring.

Sources and dynamics of fluorescent particles in hospitals

“…According to the authors, the proportion of fluorescent in total airborne particle concentration increased during walking, in comparison to the times when the room was vacant. An earlier study reported by Anderson et al52 associated high levels of microbial contamination with carpets in patients' rooms. The authors conducted epidemiological and microbiological studies in a hospital rooms with and without carpet.…”

Mechanisms for floor surfaces or environmental ground contamination to cause human infection: a systematic review

“…An additional seven articles which met the selection criteria were identified through bibliographical search number of persons and person movement in the operating room [13], and presence of dirt (either soil or water) in hospital areas [14]. Carpets also yielded higher microbial concentrations per square inch compared to bare floors in a paediatric patient's room [15]. Experimental studies investigated walking over contaminated flooring (two studies) or floor cleaning to prevent infection.…”

A Review of Research Literature

“…There is limited research comparing the air above carpeted areas and hard flooring with respect to concentrations of microorganisms, and the findings are conflicting. Anderson et al (1982) found higher concentrations above carpeted areas, whereas Harris (2000) reported higher particulate concentrations above hard flooring.…”

“…Automated technology has also been examined for its impact on hand-washing compliance for soap-and-water sinks and alcohol-based hand-rub dispensers. (Anderson et al, 1982;Skoutelis et al, 1994) and furniture coverings (Lankford et al, 2006;Noskin et al, 2000) as they relate to environmental contamination in healthcare settings. The use of carpet can be a controversial issue.…”