| Abstract: | The contamination level of bath tubs and shower trolleys has been studied after use by hospital patients and following either disinfection with a phenolic disinfectant-detergent or cleaning with a detergent. After use the surfaces were contaminated with 0.5 x 10(3) - 1.7 x 10(3) colony-forming units/dm2. Cleaning and disinfection reduced the contamination level approximately tenfold. As disinfection is not more efficient than cleaning the latter procedure should routinely be preferred after each use of a bath or a shower trolley. However, disinfection may be more effective than cleaning after bathing or showering a patient with a major wound or skin infection. |
