Cross Contamination

= Cross Contamination =

Around two million patients suffer from healthcare-associated infections, and nearly 90,000 are estimated to die each year in the USA from hospital infections (Abdollahi & Mahmoudzadeh, 2012, para.1). Hospital acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant microbes increase the length of hospital stay, mortality, and cost of infections (Brown, 2011, p 62).

= Definition of cross contamination 

= Cross contamination is the passing of bacteria, microorganisms, or other harmful substances indirectly from one patient to another through improper or unsterile equipment, procedures or products. Cross contamination can occur by direct contact with microorganisms, indirect contact with contaminated objects, droplets transmission and inhalation of airborne pathogens. Surfaces can routinely become contaminated with patients’ blood, saliva and other bodily fluids (Abichandani & Nadiger, 2012, p. 177).