Contamination of the hospital water supply with potentially pathogenic organisms is surprisingly common, but the magnitude of the problem is largely unrecognized. There are no specific guidelines for protecting patients from exposure.

Summary:

• Point-of-use water (faucets and showers) may be the source of the transmission of waterborne microorganisms.
• Bacteria, mycrobacteria, and fungi have been identififed in hospital water.
• Parasites and viruses have been identified in municipal water supplies and could contaminate hospital water as well.
• Patient exposure to these pathogens can occur while showering, bathing, drinking water, ingesting ice, from exposure to medical equipment rinsed with with potentially contaminated tap water, or the hands of medical personnel washed in potentially contaminated tap water.
• Patients at high risk of infection from waterborne pathogens include those immune compromised by their disease and/or by the treatment of the disease.
• Point-of-use 0.2 µm filtration of water can be an option for safe water for hospital use to minimize patinet expose and risk of waterborne nosocomial infection.

Learn more and read evidence linking contamination of hospital point-of-use water to waterborne nosocomial infections.

Order audio CD to listen to experts discussing the risks of exposure and prevention control measures:

• Janet Stout, PhD, Director, Special Pathogens Laboratory, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
• Elias J. Anaissie, MD, Professor of Medicine, Director, Supportive Care, Myeloma Institiute for Research and Therapy, The Univeristy of Arkansas for medical Scences.

Contact your local Pall Medical Representative.