Date of Completion
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
Keywords
venipuncture, rubber tourniquet, hygienic practices, colony count, spread plate, phenotypic identification, public hospital, private hospital, Gram-Positive Bacteria, Gram-Negative Bacteria
Abstract
This research assessed the bacterial contamination of venipuncture tourniquets in outpatient departments from tertiary hospitals in Cavite, Philippines. Rubber tourniquets, used in procedures such as a venipuncture, often make contact with the skin and can easily become contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria as hygienic practices regarding its use are compromised; therefore, may lead to nosocomial infections. Moreover, this study also determined the frequency of bacterial contamination, colony count, phenotypic identification (ID), and hygiene practice adherence. Using the swabbing and spread plate methods for colony count and VITEK system for phenotypic ID, samples from public (HB1, HB2) and private (HA1, HA2) hospitals were analyzed. With ten samples obtained from private hospitals and five samples obtained from public hospitals, results showed a significant disparity in microbial growth, colony count, and hygiene practices. In samples from public hospitals, colony counts were higher with 1.8 x 107 - 1.1 x 108 CFU/cm2 , whereas those from private hospitals ranged from 0.37 – 20 CFU/cm2 . Furthermore, private hospitals were within the acceptable range of appropriate hygiene practices with regard to the use of tourniquets of <2.5 – 5 CFU/cm2 . Predominating bacteria included species of Micrococcus (31.58%) and Staphylococcus (28.96%). Gram-negative bacteria were found only in public hospitals. In line with this, a survey of 37 healthcare workers also indicated better hygiene adherence with regard to the use of tourniquets in private hospitals compared to public hospitals. Thus, rubber tourniquets serve as significant vectors for bacterial contamination, with public hospitals displaying higher microbial loads due to less stringent hygiene practices. Improved protocols, training, and resources are essential to mitigate contamination risks and enhance patient safety.
APA Citation
Andrade, A. G., Barroso, J. C., Bautista, K. L., Bruel, R. A., & Carilla, B. C. (2024). Assessing the bacterial contamination of reusable routine venipuncture tourniquets in the outpatient department among the selected private and public hospitals in Cavite. [Bachelor's thesis, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute]. GreenPrints. https://greenprints.dlshsi.edu.ph/bsmls/207