Bacterial contamination of health care workers' pagers and the efficacy of various disinfecting agents

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2006 Nov;25(11):1074-5. doi: 10.1097/01.inf.0000242649.27400.94.

Abstract

Health care workers in our facility were surveyed, and their pagers were cultured before and after disinfection with various agents. All pagers were contaminated with bacteria, including the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella spp. and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Disinfection reduced bacterial contamination. No risk factors for pager contamination with pathogens were identified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Bacteria / growth & development
  • Disinfectants / pharmacology*
  • Disinfection / methods
  • Equipment Contamination*
  • Health Personnel*
  • Hospital Communication Systems*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Disinfectants