New Study Finds C. diff on a High Percentage of Healthcare Workers’ Hands

A new study has been published in the current issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology that found that almost a quarter of healthcare workers’ hands had Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores on them following routine care of patients known to have the bacteria.  This surprising figure brings to light the need to educate healthcare providers and the public about how this organism can be spread.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), C. diff causes diarrhea and inflammation of the colon, known as colitis.  It is linked to approximately 14,000 American deaths each year.
 
C. diff is shed in feces. Any surface, device or material that becomes contaminated with feces may serve as a reservoir for the organism’s spores which can survive for long periods of time on common surfaces.  Those most at risk are people, especially older adults, who take antibiotics and also get medical care.  When a person takes antibiotics, other microorganisms that protect against infections are eliminated for a period of time.  During this period, patients can get sick from C. diff picked up from contaminated surfaces or spread from a healthcare provider’s hands. 
 
“The spread of C. diff in healthcare environments is one of the most significant challenges faced by infection control professionals today,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “The spread of C. diff is also becoming an issue outside of healthcare environments.  At EMSL Analytical, we provide environmental surface testing services to help identify C. diff and other superbugs.  EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about C. diff to help educate the public about the organism and how it is spread.”
 
To view the video about Clostridium difficile and preventing infections, please visit:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9WOllEethY
 
To learn more about testing for C. diff and other microbial pathogens, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 800-220-3675

info@emsl.com