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Strike-through Contamination in Saturated Sterile Dressings

Author

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  • Deborah M. Popovich

    (University of Florida)

  • Doris Alexander

    (University of Florida)

  • Maude Rittman

    (Veteran's Administration Medical Center)

  • Christopher Martorella

    (Alachua General Hospital)

  • Letitia Jackson

    (North Florida Regional Medical Center)

Abstract

This multisite study examined the risk of strike-through contamination of 4" x 4" gauze sponges using a shortcut method of saturating sterile sponges directly on their wrappers. Sterile gauze sponges were saturated directly on their wrappers on hospital over-bed tables of postoperative general surgical patients. Cultures were taken at 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 minutes after saturation to ascertain whether strike-through contamination occurred Saturated sponges showed significant microorganism growth when compared to expected zero microorganisms at all sampling times following saturation Although microorganisms identified in strike-through contamination were not microbiologically orpathogenically threatening, the basic principle of asepsis was violated There was no significant difference in strike-through contamination between sponges saturated on coated wrappers and sponges saturated on uncoated wrappers. Clinicians should be aware that coated wrappers do not provide a moisture-proof barrier against strike-through contamination. The findings suggest the shortcut method should not be used for saturating sponges.

Suggested Citation

  • Deborah M. Popovich & Doris Alexander & Maude Rittman & Christopher Martorella & Letitia Jackson, 1995. "Strike-through Contamination in Saturated Sterile Dressings," Clinical Nursing Research, , vol. 4(2), pages 195-207, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:clnure:v:4:y:1995:i:2:p:195-207
    DOI: 10.1177/105477389500400206
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