Bacteriological findings in X-ray tables and plate holders in the Radiology Department of the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases. Lima-Peru

© 2015 ACTEDI. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. Todos los derechos reservados. Objectives To make a situational assessment of the Department of Radiology, National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) in Lima-Peru, in order to identify different bacteria in the contact surfaces while taking X-rays, and to make the staff and patients aware of the contamination risk. Material and methods A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study, with Radiology sampling with 5 tables (simple procedures room, special, mammography, interventional, CT) was performed and 20 plate holders (conventional and digital). The microbes were counted and identified in the microbiology laboratory. Results The bacteria found in the tables were: Staphylococcus saprophiticus (100%), S. epidermidis (60%), S. aureus (40%) and S. haemolyticus (20%), and in the plate holders: S. saprophiticus (50%), S. epidermidis (25%), S. aureus (20%), and S. haemolyticus (5%). Conclusions The tables and plate holders and their handling may be vehicles of transmission of germs may constitute a risk for patients and technologist staff operating the equipment. Awareness must be created on prevention by personnel operating radiology equipment, promoting good habits based on hygiene, and cleaning tables and plate holders every time they are used, to avoid cross infection between patients and radiological equipment. Promoting knowledge of the rules of cleaning and disinfection, will improve infection prevention practices.