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Re-using intermittent pneumatic compression garments designed for single-patient-use is a potential source of cross-infection

carol.tweed{at}paradise.net.nz

Neil Wigglesworth

Infection Control, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust

Hospital acquired illnesses such as healthcare associated infection (HCAI) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are often preventable; however, they occur frequently, are hugely expensive and cause increased patient morbidity and mortality.

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) has been proven to reduce the risk of patients developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT prophylaxis IPC garments are designed to be single patient use, however anecdotally some hospitals re-use these products on multiple patients. This study examines the bacterial bio-burden present on IPC garments from three different manufacturers after an episode of single patient use and compares these results to a sample of unused (clean) garments. Sixty-one percent of used garments recorded >100 colony forming units (CFU) present on at least one sample plate, while the samples taken from unused garments reported either no growth (67%) or had very few organisms (less than five CFU) present (33%). IPC garment wear time and/or presence of graduated compression stockings worn beneath the garment had no impact on reducing the garment bio-burden.

After an episode of single patient use, IPC garments carry a significant bio-burden and could be a source of pathogens. DVT prophylaxis IPC garments should be utilised as single patient use.

Key Words: Healthcare associated infection (HCAI) • deep vein thrombosis (DVT) • intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) garments • single patient use

Journal of Infection Prevention, Vol. 10, No. 4, 128-133 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1757177409105602


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