Determination of Staphylococcus aureus on Radiographic Cassettes Used in Chest X-Ray Examination in Selected Hospitals in Cagayan de Oro City

Radiography plays a very important role in medical diagnosis but the equipment and accessories used bear a considerable risk of harboring nosocomial bacteria which may complicate a patient’s original condition. The study aimed to determine the presence or absence of Staphylococcus aureus commonly found on x-ray equipment specifically sizes 14x17†or 14x14†used for a patient. Swab samples were collected from selected x-ray equipment before and after examination. 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 by the hospitals. The second swabs were done after being contacted by patient’s surfaces. A total of 36 radiographic imaging cassettes were then taken to the DOST Region X microbiology laboratory for culturing and enumeration using standard laboratory procedure. The result shows the absence of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in the swabbed radiographic imaging cassettes. Radiologic departments of both hospitals were compliant of implementing the standard protocol of aseptic technique as observed among the swabbed radiographic cassettes

 

Keywords – Radiologic Technology, Staphylococcus aureus, Cross, Contamination, Aseptic Technique,  Microorganism, Radiology Department, Asepsis, Experimental design, Philippines.