Contamination of High-Touch Surfaces in the Ophthalmic Clinical Environment—A Pilot Study

Abstract

In light of the close contact between patient and clinician during ophthalmic examinations and the multiple opportunities for pathogen transmission, we identified and evaluated potential pathogen transmission routes through high-touch surfaces in an outpatient ophthalmology clinic. A circuit simulation was performed to replicate a patient’s journey through an ophthalmology clinic with various stations. Fluorescent oil and powder were applied to the hands of Simulated Patient A who went through the circuit. Routine disinfection of surfaces in the slit lamp environment and hand hygiene by the ophthalmologist were conducted prior to Simulated Patient B going through the same circuit with untagged hands. Ultraviolet black light was used to identify fluorescent marker contamination after Simulated Patient B completed the circuit. Fluorescent marker contamination was found on the hands of all the simulated patients and staff, various items of the simulated patients, multiple equipment surfaces—particularly the ophthalmologist’s working table and slit lamp environment—and miscellaneous objects like appointment cards and files. Fluorescent marker contamination on Simulated Patient B’s untagged hands despite proper hand hygiene being performed prior suggests suboptimal surface disinfection following Simulated Patient A’s circuit. Through this pilot study, we recognised the key role that ophthalmic high-touch surfaces play in fomite transmission and that thorough disinfection of high-touch surfaces is essential on top of proper hand hygiene. With the contact sequences delineated in this pilot study, specific cues for hand hygiene and surface disinfection may be implemented at suitable intervals during contact with high-touch surfaces. Environmental decontamination adjuncts could also be considered to reinforce surface disinfection.