Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
There is a vast extent of evidence that has emphasised the role that contaminated surfaces play in the transmission of health-care associated or nosocomial pathogens in the health and pharmaceutical sectors. Particularly, that the surfaces that are highly or frequently touched by patients and health-care workers are more prone to microbial contamination and subsequently can act as reservoirs for the transmission of microbial pathogens. Monitoring surface hygiene for pharmaceutical cleanrooms has proven as a basis for ensuring that there is strict adherence of hygiene protocols and guidelines, while also keeping good microbiological control as per the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Ensuring that the surfaces in the Homeopathic Health Centre’s (HHC) dispensary are always clean and disinfected is an important component of the overall strategy to reduce the risk of health-care associated infections (HCAI) and transmission. No research regarding the hygiene status in the HHC dispensary at University of Johannesburg (UJ) is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial load on the surfaces to monitor surface cleanliness in the dispensary at the (Doornfontein campus) utilising the UltraSnap™ ATP Surface test and to determine if there were any microbial hotspots within the HHC dispensary. The sampling of the dispensary was done by the researcher with the help of qualified laboratory technicians to determine the microbial load using the UltraSnap™ ATP Surface Test. Samples were collected from across multiple surfaces (n= 124) in the HHC dispensary. Surfaces included working surfaces (n= 3), cabinet doors (n= 35), door handles (n= 2), remedy stock bottles (n= 11), bottle caps from remedy bottles (n= 11), measuring utensils (n= 27), shelves (n= 18), access windows (n= 1), sinks (n= 2) and the air conditioner (n= 1). After the initial sampling it was decided to add more highly-touched surfaces, which included the bin top (n= 1), plastic organisers with drawers (n= 11) and the medical waste bin (n= 1). The UltraSnap™ Surface ATP test device and luminometer create a system used for monitoring hygienic status of surfaces on processing equipment and other environments in a wide range of industries. The system works by measuring adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal energy molecule found in all animal, plant, bacterial, yeast, and mould cells. Product residues from organic matter left on surfaces contain ATP. Microbial contamination on a surface contains ATP but typically in smaller amounts. When a sample is collected and ATP is brought into contact with...