Do Pens Pose A Healthcare Risk?
Could something as small as a pen pose a cross-contamination risk?
Healthcare-associated infections cost the NHS over £1 billion a year.
While healthcare staff are well trained in hand washing procedures, something which may seem so insignificant in infection control, such as a pen, can be a potential carrier of infectious bacteria. Particularly after being used and carried around for a few days without being disinfected.
A study from the University of Houston - College of Pharmacy and St Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Houston, found that of a total of 23 pens – 13 non-intervention, 10 intervention (wiped with a sanitising agent between patient visits), 16 were found to have bacterial growth.
Pens in the intervention group were found to have an average of 130 colony forming units (CFU) per culture plate, while pens that weren’t wiped were found to have a median of 370 CFU/culture plate.
In comparison, this Net Quote study found that toilet seats had around 171 CFU per square inch.
They also found that bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus could survive on rubber gripped pens for up to 48 hours!
The solution?
Swanneck antimicrobial pens incorporate Biomaster technology to prevent the growth of bacteria and therefore help reduce the threat of cross contamination from healthcare stationery!
To find out how Biomaster works please click here.
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