Re-using intermittent pneumatic compression garments designed for single-patient-use is a potential source of cross-infection

Abstract

Hospital acquired illnesses such as healthcare associated infection (HCAI) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are often preventable; however, they occur frequently, are hugely expensive and cause increased patient morbidity and mortality. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) has been proven to reduce the risk of patients developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT prophylaxis IPC garments are designed to be single patient use, however anecdotally some hospitals re-use these products on multiple patients. This study examines the bacterial bio-burden present on IPC garments from three different manufacturers after an episode of single patient use and compares these results to a sample of unused (clean) garments. Sixty-one percent of used garments recorded >100 colony forming units (CFU) present on at least one sample plate, while the samples taken from unused garments reported either no growth (67%) or had very few organisms (less than five CFU) present (33%). IPC garment wear time and/or presence of graduated compression stockings worn beneath the garment had no impact on reducing the garment bio-burden. After an episode of single patient use, IPC garments carry a significant bio-burden and could be a source of pathogens. DVT prophylaxis IPC garments should be utilised as single patient use.