Comparison of Bacterial Contamination Rates Between Isolation and Non-isolation Rooms

Studies show high touch areas maybe contaminated with organisms such as
Methicillin—resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. MRSA
can live on hospital surfaces for 9-14 days. Patients in rooms that were previously MRSA
isolation rooms are at higher risk for developing a hospital-acquired infection.

This study is to determine if medication cabinets located outside of MRSA isolation rooms
and their contents, particularly medications and the pharmacy delivery folders are at a
higher risk of having MRSA colonization on them. This study will use conventional methods to
determine if MRSA colonization is present and compare results between non-isolation and
isolation rooms. This will evaluate if alternate measures for the reduction of MRSA
colonization are needed for the MRSA isolation rooms in regards to medication delivery and
storage.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patient rooms with isolation status for MRSA

- Patient rooms without isolation status for MRSA for 14 days

Exclusion Criteria:

- Rooms without medication cabinets directly outside the room