Investigation of Cell Phones as a Potential Source of Bacterial Contamination in the Operating Room

Shakir, Irshad; Patel, Nirav H; Chamberland, Robin R.; Kaar, Scott G.

doi:10.2106/jbjs.n.00523

Cited by 58 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…by Selim et al showed the most common microorganisms on healthcare worker's cell phones were MRSA and Staphylococcus coagulase negative (13). Other similar studies also reported Pseudomonas species in addition to previous germs (12)(13)(14)(15). In 2012, Ustun et al reported that among 183 samples that were collected from cell phones of physicians, nurses and laboratory staffs, 179 (97.8%) were contaminated including Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) producing E. coli (11.2%) and MRSA (9.5%) (16).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

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Evaluation of Shift Work on Bacterial Contamination of Cellular Phone of Health Care Staff at Adult Trauma Intensive Care Unit

et al. 2015

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Background: The goal of this study was to explore the effect of a shift work at adult trauma intensive care units on microbial contamination of cellular phones. Prevalence and type of microorganisms on intensive care unit (ICU) staff mobile phones is considered as a major route for transmission of infection. Methods: As a cross sectional study, cultures of mobile phone of 80 staff working at six adult trauma ICUs (54 beds) of a tertiary university affiliated hospital in Shiraz (Iran), were obtained, upon start and at the end of a shift. Samples were sent to the microbiologic laboratory of the hospital and cultured on specified media. Results: From 80 cell phones, 74 (92.5%) were contaminated upon entrance to ICU. Microorganisms included Staphylococcus coagulase negative 48 (60%), Bacillus 16 (20%), Acinetobacter 3 (3.75%) and others (Enterobacter, non hemolytic Streptococcus, E. coli and Serratia) with prevalence of 7 (8.75%). In comparison, exit cultures were positive for 49 (62.6%) of the cell phones that compromised of 34 (43.8%) coagulase negative Staphylococcus, 8 (10%) Bacillus, 2 (2.5%) Acinetobacter, and 5 (5.3%) contaminations with other microorganisms. Results showed a significant reduction in positive cultures at exit time from ICU. No correlation could be found between age, marital status, work experience in either hospital or ICU and changes in contamination of mobile phones. There was only a relationship between shift time and microbial colonization, which was more prevalent in night shifts followed by afternoon and morning shifts. Acinetobacter contamination of mobile phones of healthcare workers was more prevalent upon entrance to ICU than at exit time. Conclusions: High prevalence of cellular phone contamination with potential microorganisms is a major concern in adult trauma ICUs. Contamination of this equipment is more prevalent upon start of shift work, so a reverse transmission of bacteria may take place. Prevalence of Acinetobacter on entrance cultures necessitates special consideration. Infection control strategies to reduce cell phone colonization of trauma ICU staff, should be applied.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…In 2010, El kholy et al reported contamination of mobile phones with E. coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella, Serratia and Staphylococcus aureus (2). Some studies reported other microorganisms such as Acinetobacter and Enterococcus faecalis (1,15,(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Shift Work on Bacterial Contamination of Cellular Phone of Health Care Staff at Adult Trauma Intensive Care Unit

et al. 2015

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“…The process may include cleaning or containing the item or placing the item in a designated location. Research indicates that personal communication devices (eg, cell phones, tablets) are highly contaminated with microorganisms, including those that may be pathogenic . Before bringing personal electronic devices into the OR, perioperative personnel should clean them according to the device manufacturer's instructions for use .…”

Section: Practice Point: Personal Itemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Back to Basics 2.0: Surgical Attire

Spruce¹

2020

AORN Journal

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“…Researchers can measure surface contamination by culturing specific microorganisms; assessing CFUs, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and relative light units (RLUs); visually inspecting surfaces; and using fluorescent marking gel with allocation‐of‐contamination ratings 5,7,9,13,15,40,46‐50 . Microorganisms identified in a few of the studies that examined surface contamination included S aureus , methicillin‐resistant S aureus , S epidermidis , Enterobacter , Acinetobacter species, and Pseudomonas species 19,47‐49,51,52 …”

Section: Airborne Sources and Control Of Contaminantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Decontamination significantly reduced the colony count from 258 CFUs before decontamination to 127 CFUs after decontamination ( P = .0001). Shakir et al 51 used ATP to quantify organic matter and cultured the mobile phones of orthopedic attending surgeons and residents before cleaning and retesting the phones. Before disinfection, the mean ATP reading was 3,488 ± 1,699 RLUs; after cleaning, the mean ATP reading was 200 ± 123 RLUs, with a decrease in pathogenic bacteria from 83% before disinfection to 8% after disinfection (N = 53).…”

Section: Airborne Sources and Control Of Contaminantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Minimizing Sources of Airborne, Aerosolized, and Contact Contaminants in the OR Environment

Armellino¹

2017

AORN Journal

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Surgical site infections are unintended consequences of surgery that can cause harm to patients and place financial burdens on health care organizations. Extrinsic factors in the OR-including health care providers' behavior and practices that modify air movement, the physical environment, equipment, or surgical instruments-can increase microbial contamination. Microbes can be transported into the surgical incision by airborne or contact routes and contribute to a surgical site infection. Simple practices to prevent infection-such as minimizing airborne particles and contaminants, maintaining equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations, cleaning and disinfecting the environment and surgical instruments, and performing proper hand hygiene-can reduce the degree of microbial contamination. Perioperative leaders and health care providers can help decrease the patient's risk of surgical site infection with proactive preventive practices that break the chain of infection.

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Investigation of Cell Phones as a Potential Source of Bacterial Contamination in the Operating Room

Cited by 58 publications

References 15 publications

Evaluation of Shift Work on Bacterial Contamination of Cellular Phone of Health Care Staff at Adult Trauma Intensive Care Unit

Evaluation of Shift Work on Bacterial Contamination of Cellular Phone of Health Care Staff at Adult Trauma Intensive Care Unit

Back to Basics 2.0: Surgical Attire

Minimizing Sources of Airborne, Aerosolized, and Contact Contaminants in the OR Environment

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