Sensor-operated faucets: a possible source of nosocomial infection?

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2002 Jan;23(1):44-6. doi: 10.1086/501969.

Abstract

Recently, contamination of sensor-operated faucets (SOFs) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed. To evaluate odds ratios, we conducted a case-control study in which handle-operated faucets served as controls. No statistically significant difference in P. aeruginosa counts was observed between SOFs and regular faucets in our study (odds ratio, 0.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.0 to 39.0; two-sided P exact = .99).

MeSH terms

  • Confidence Intervals
  • Cross Infection / etiology*
  • Equipment Contamination
  • Equipment and Supplies, Hospital*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / pathogenicity
  • Water Microbiology*