Bacterial Contamination of Laboratory Equipment in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Rawalpindi

Introduction: Objective: Methods: Results: Conclusion: Equipment frequently used in the laboratory as well as in hospitals harbours potential pathogens and may act as a source of infectious agents. The ability of potential pathogens to persist for longer periods of time on inanimate surfaces and instruments has increased the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). This study aimed to determine the bacterial contamination of commonly used equipment in the pathology laboratory of a tertiary care hospital, Rawalpindi. Objective : To determine the type of microbial contamination on different laboratory equipment used in a tertiary care hospital, Rawalpindi. Methods : A total of 100 samples were collected from the less-used and the most-used sites of different equipment. Plain cotton-tipped sterilised swabs moistened with Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) were used for sample collection. Samples were cultured on enriched media for isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens. Colonies were Gram-stained and subjected to biochemical analysis, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing using standard microbiological techniques. Results: Out of 100 samples, 78% bacterial isolates were recovered from equipment; 14% were environmental contaminants (Bacillus species) and 8% showed no growth. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterial isolate (50% of 78%). Among S. aureus isolates, 28% were MRSA. Klebsiella species was the most common Gram-negative isolate, followed by E. coli and Pseudomonas species. Conclusion : High bacterial contamination of frequently used pathology laboratory equipment with a variety of potential pathogens and environmental contaminants was detected. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterial isolate. This study highlights the need for regular disinfection of instruments after use and improved hand hygiene among laboratory personnel.