Potential risk of cross-infection during peripheral-venous access by contamination of tourniquets

M Golder; C L Chan; S O'Shea; K Corbett; I L Chrystie; G French

doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(99)04051-9

Potential risk of cross-infection during peripheral-venous access by contamination of tourniquets

Lancet. 2000 Jan 1;355(9197):44. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(99)04051-9.

Authors

M Golder, C L Chan, S O'Shea, K Corbett, I L Chrystie, G French

PMID: 10615896
DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(99)04051-9

Abstract

We found that a high proportion of reusable tourniquets are contaminated with blood and bacterial pathogens. Their use contravenes hospital cross-infection control protocols and we therefore recommend the use of disposable tourniquets.

Publication types

Letter

MeSH terms

Bacteria / isolation & purification*
Cross Infection / etiology*
Equipment Contamination
Equipment Reuse
Equipment and Supplies, Hospital
Humans
London
Risk Factors
Tourniquets / microbiology*