Environmental surface cleanliness and the potential for contamination during handwashing.

This study aimed to determine the general organic, microbial and staphylococcal load on surfaces in hospital wards that could be touched during handwashing. Tap handles, soap dispensers and paper-towel dispensers were tested in two paediatric and surgical wards in four UK hospitals. Tap handles presented the greatest risk, being the most contaminated, more likely to be wet and exceed benchmark cleaning values. Many of the organisms isolated were staphylococci and the results are discussed within the context of microbial cross-contamination and potential pathogen spread. AJIC 2003;31:93-6.