MRSA in non-clinical areas of hospitals.

In order to establish whether or not MRSA could be detected in non-clinical areas, a standard protocol for the detection of MRSA in the hospital environment was developed. Non-clinical areas were chosen in corridors outside wards housing MRSA-positive patients, outside intensive care units and in outpatient clinics. Items sampled included door handles and push plates, stair rails, lift buttons and equipment trolleys. No MRSA was isolated from any of the non-clinical sites in any of the hospitals. Journal of Hospital Infection 2006;64:402-3.