Bacterial and viral contamination of reusable sharps containers in a community hospital setting

Background Proper disposal of sharps in the clinical setting is a key factor in infection control. Previous research studies suggest that reprocessed, reusable medical devices and infectious waste containers are potential sources of microorganisms capable of causing infection in immunocompromised patients. This pilot study was a single-center, prospective, hospital-based, microbiologic evaluation of reusable sharps disposal containers returned to the hospital from a reprocessing company. Methods A New England area, 130-bed community hospital performed the evaluation. Following delivery to the hospitalʹs shipping/receiving area, 30 newly processed, reusable sharps disposal containers were swabbed for the presence of bacteria and viruses. Results Twenty-seven containers (90%) tested positive for bacteria, and 10% of the recovered isolates were gram-negative rods. Nine out of 30 (30%) cultures were positive for viruses: HIV (10%), hepatitis A (6.7%), hepatitis B (6.7%), and hepatitis C (13.3%), and several containers tested positive for multiple viruses and bacteria. Conclusion Reusable sharps containers were returned to this medical facility with bacterial and viral contamination. Further testing is warranted to determine the scope of the problem and potential clinical implications.