Hospital toilet flushing can spread pathogens

Study shows particle concentrations before and after the flush were significantly different

Flushing a hospital toilet during patient care can lead to spread of pathogens, according to an article on the Becker's Clinical Leadership and Infection Control website.

A recent study quantified the particles produced from flushing a hospital toilet during routine patient care.

The study showed bioaerosol concentrations when flushing fecal waste were found to be significantly greater than background concentrations.

Aerosols generated may remain for longer than 30 minutes post toilet flush, according to the study.

February 12, 2018

Topic Area: Infection Control

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