Brandi D. Lanier MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Austin Tubbs, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mary Ogilvie, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sandra Thompson-Jaeger, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Richard Duszak MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bacterial contamination of electronic and other devices in the hospital setting is common and creates nosocomial infectious risks to patients and staff alike. This public health issue has received little attention in the radiology community. We aimed to quantify and characterize bacterial contamination of radiologist workstations and consider its implications.

Dictation microphones and computer mice at the most frequently used radiologist workstations from 2 inpatient and 2 outpatient reading rooms each at 2 teaching hospitals in 2 states were sampled for bacteria. Reference toilet seat and doorknob sampling was performed in the restroom nearest each of those 4 reading rooms. One microphone and one mouse in each reading room were chosen at random, and repeat sampling was performed after quickly wiping each surface with an inexpensive commercially available antiseptic pad. Sampling was performed using direct trypticase soy agar plating, with sampled areas uniformly approximating 50 sq cm. Colonies were quantified and characterized after 24 hours.

All sampled workstation and restroom sites were contaminated with bacteria. Mean colony counts were 69.4 ±38.7 (range 15-123) for microphones, 46.1 ±58.1 (1-173) for mice, 10.5 ±9.7 (1-22) for toilet seats and 14.8 ±16.0 (1-36) for mice. Overall combined microphone and mouse workstation site bacterial contamination was significantly higher than that of nearby restroom toilets and doorknobs (57.8 ±49.0 vs. 12.6 ±12.5, p=0.005). Microphone and mouse bacterial counts were nearly completely eliminated after brief antiseptic swabbing (from 76.9 ±53.2 to 0.3±0.7, p=0.002).

Bacterial contamination of dictation microphones and computer mice at radiologist workstations is extremely common, with average bacterial colonization significantly greater than that of neighboring restroom toilet seats and doorknobs. Simple, rapid, and inexpensive disinfection techniques nearly completely eradicate radiologist workstation microbial contamination and likely minimize radiologist exposure and cross-contamination risk to other staff and patients alike.

Bacterial contamination of radiologist workstations is common- 5x higher than nearby restroom toilet seats and doorknobs. Simple disinfection techniques are highly effective and strongly advised.

Lanier, B, Tubbs, A, Ogilvie, M, Thompson-Jaeger, S, Duszak, R, Bacterial Contamination of Radiologist Workstations: Incidence and Potential Health Implications.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13044175.html