Environmental and body contamination from cleaning vomitus in a health care setting: A simulation study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Environmental service workers may be exposed to pathogens during the cleaning of pathogen-containing bodily fluids. METHODS:Participants with experience cleaning hospital environments were asked to clean simulated, fluorescein-containing vomitus using normal practices in a simulated patient room. Fluorescein was visualized in the environment and on participants under black lights. Fluorescein was quantitatively measured on the floor, in the air, and on gloves and shoe covers. RESULTS:In all 21 trials involving 7 participants, fluorescein was found on the floor after cleaning and on participants' gloves. Lower levels of floor contamination were associated with the use of towels to remove bulk fluid (ρ = -0.56, P = .01). Glove contamination was not associated with the number or fr

SUBMITTER: Phan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6200404 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature