The Disinfection of Baths and Shower Trolleys in Hospitals

The contamination level of bath tubs and shower trolleys has been studied after use by hospital patients and following either disinfection with a phenolic disinfectant-detergent or cleaning with a detergent. After use the surfaces were contaminated with 0.5 x 10(3) - 1.7 x 10(3) colony-forming units/dm2. Cleaning and disinfection reduced the contamination level approximately tenfold. As disinfection is not more efficient than cleaning the latter procedure should routinely be preferred after each use of a bath or a shower trolley. However, disinfection may be more effective than cleaning after bathing or showering a patient with a major wound or skin infection.