Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination of phlebotomy tourniquets and faucets

Abeywickrama, T; Amarasinghe, K. N. L.; Wijerathne, S; Dharmaratne, C; Fernando, Devaka J.S.; Senaratna, Chamara V.; Gunasekera, H.A.K.M.

doi:10.4038/cmj.v63i1.8627

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 17 publications

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“…Due to contact with human skin and proximity to the puncture site, blood residues and bacterial contaminations were regularly found on tourniquets [1][2][3]. Besides environmental and skin microorganisms [4][5][6], the contamination can also include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) [1,3,[7][8][9][10][11][12] or other multi-drug resistant bacteria [4,13]. Hence, tourniquets may be a potential source for cross-contamination with potentially harmful pathogens.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reduced bacterial contamination rates detected on silicone tourniquets compared to conventional tourniquets in clinical routine

et al. 2020

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Background: Tourniquets used for peripheral venous vascular access such as blood sampling are regularly contaminated in clinical routine. Although most contaminations are harmless, some pose a possible risk for infection. To improve peripheral venous access infection control standards, tourniquets with no or as few as possible bacterial burden should be used. Conventional tourniquets can be reprocessed by autoclaving or by incubating in disinfectants. However, both methods are time-consuming and not suitable for immediate use between patients. In contrast, silicone tourniquets can be quickly and simply reprocessed with wipe disinfection. In vitro studies from the manufacturer have demonstrated reduced bacterial contamination on silicone tourniquets after usage compared to conventional tourniquets. This study aims to independently investigate the bacterial load on both types of tourniquets in clinical routine. Methods: In a first trial, new conventional and silicon tourniquets were used for blood sampling in one facility with strict guidelines for reprocessing (after each patient or not at all) for 1 day and tested for bacterial contamination. In a second trial, new tourniquets were used in four facilities while the mode and frequency of tourniquets' reprocessing was defined individually by each facility. The number of treated patients, mode and frequency of reprocessing and other relevant handling measures were documented. Results: Under controlled conditions, with strictly specified reprocessing, slightly fewer bacteria were found on silicone than on conventional tourniquets. In routine clinical practice the reprocessing frequency was not higher for silicone tourniquets in practice. Yet, in all four facilities, there were significantly fewer bacteria found on silicone than on conventional tourniquets. Conclusion: Although tourniquets are classified as non-critical medical devices, results showtogether with benefits of faster and easier reprocessingthat silicone tourniquets can improve infection control of venous vascular access.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reduced bacterial contamination rates detected on silicone tourniquets compared to conventional tourniquets in clinical routine

et al. 2020

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Reusable tourniquets for blood sampling as a source of multi-resistant organisms– a systematic review

Szymczyk,

Månsson,

Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska

2023

Front. Public Health

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IntroductionThe use of reusable tourniquets is widespread around the world, and reports suggest they may be overused. Several studies have shown that reusable tourniquets can affect the spread of pathogens between patients. Based on available studies, this review aims to analyse the indirect transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens present on blood collection tourniquets, which may spread infectious diseases between patients in daily clinical practice.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) protocol guidelines. The contents of PubMed, EBSCO (electronic databases), and Scopus were screened. Keywords used in the search included: “tourniquet,” “cross infection,” “nosocomial infection,” “staphylococcus aureus,” “MRO,” “pathogen,” “infectious disease,” “anti-microbial,” or a combination of these using AND or OR operators. Finally, 13 publications were included. Data were analysed both descriptively and quantitatively by calculating a balanced average for specific synthesized data.ResultsThe proportional observation based on the number sampled median was 77. The genus MRSA was the type of bacteria most commonly found: on 12% of all tested tourniquets. The amount of MRSA found on tourniquets was mean ± SD 14.6 ± 45.89. A review of studies also revealed the presence of coagulase-negative staphylococci, grew Bacillus, and Staphylococcus aureus.ConclusionPatient safety may be at risk due to elevated contamination rates of reusable tourniquets. The microorganisms responsible for this contamination include a variety of species, the most common being the genus Staphylococcus. For this reason, we recommend the use of disposable tourniquets.

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Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination of phlebotomy tourniquets and faucets

Abstract: MRSA contamination rates of tourniquets and faucets were high. Single-use plastic tourniquets were much less contaminated with MRSA than reused tourniquets.

Cited by 2 publications

References 17 publications

Reduced bacterial contamination rates detected on silicone tourniquets compared to conventional tourniquets in clinical routine

Reduced bacterial contamination rates detected on silicone tourniquets compared to conventional tourniquets in clinical routine

Reusable tourniquets for blood sampling as a source of multi-resistant organisms– a systematic review

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