African Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences 1 (1-2): 31-35, 2009 ISSN 2079-2034 © IDOSI Publications, 2009 Corresponding Author: Ochie Kalu, Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria Telephone: +2348034721738 31 Contamination of X-Ray Equipment and Accessories with Nosocomial Bacteria and the Effectiveness of Common Disinfecting Agents K. Ochie and C.C. Ohagwu 1 2 Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences 1 and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Nigeria Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, 2 College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi campus, Nigeria Abstract: Radiography plays a very important role in medical diagnosis but the equipment and accessories used bear a considerable risk of harbouring nosocomial bacteria which may complicate patient’s original condition. The aim of the study was to identify the nosocomial bacteria commonly found on x-ray equipment and accessories in this locality and assess the effectiveness of some common chemical disinfectants used in x-ray units. Swab samples were collected from selected x-ray equipment and accessories. The swabbing procedure was carried out using sterile Evepon™ swab sticks. The selected surfaces were first swabbed before being cleaned with chemical disinfectant of appropriate dilution. The surfaces were then cleaned with chemical disinfectant and swabbed again. A short time interval was allowed before the second swabbing for the disinfectant solution to dry. The swab samples were then taken to the microbiology laboratory for culturing and identification using standard laboratory procedure. Cystine lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) and blood agar media were used to prepare the culture samples. The prepared samples were put in petri dishes and incubated for 24 hours at a temperature of 37°C. At the end of the incubation period, the samples were viewed under microscope to identify the bacteria. Bacteria were isolated in 142 swabs representing 47.2% of all the swab samples. Staphylococcus aureus, klebsiella spp, coliform and coagulase-negative staphylococcus epidermidis were the bacteria isolated from the swab samples. Klebsiella spp were isolated most often (49 times; 34.5%) and and coagulase-negative staphylococcus epidermidis were isolated the least number of times (18 times; 12.7%). The x-ray cassettes recorded the highest number of times bacteria were isolated (54 times; 38%) with coliform being isolated most often (45 times; 31.7%). Sodium hypochlorite was the most effective chemical disinfectant. No bacterial isolates were seen in the swab samples collected after its use. Key words: Nosocomial bacteria X ray equipment Accessories Disinfecting agents INTRODUCTION An infection is regarded as nosocomial if it is as a The radiology department plays a very important but secondary to the patient’s original condition and role in medical diagnosis. It regularly receives large manifests 48 hours or more after hospital admission or number of patients from the wards and out-patient clinics. within 30 days after discharge [1]. Nosocomial pathogens As a result of large patient traffic into the department and infections are relatively common because hospitals there are increased chances of spreading nosocomial receive large number of patients, some of whom may be pathogens amongst patients and to the radiology staff. immunocompromised. Nosocomial pathogens and by Nosocomial pathogens include bacteria, fungi and viruses extension the resulting infectious diseases can and may or may not result in infectious diseases to complicate and prolong hospital admission [2]. There patients and radiology staff, depending on their immune are opportunities for spread of nosocomial pathogens in status. the radiology department. The pathogens are brought into result of treatment in a hospital or hospital-like setting,