Hand Hygiene during Mobile X-ray Imaging in the Emergency Room

A hand hygiene behavior questionnaire and environmental survey were conducted regarding the mobile X-ray system used in the emergency room. As a result, among a total of 22 radiological technologists at this hospital who replied to the questionnaire, 18 wore disposable gloves when performing X-ray imaging using the mobile system. Among those 18, 11 were found to touch computed radiology (CR) consoles and HIS/RIS terminals while still wearing the gloves, thus creating the potential for spreading pathogens to other medical equipment and systems. According to the results of an environmental survey of the emergency imaging preparation room, the highest levels of bacteria were detected on CR consoles and HIS/RIS terminals. A possible reason for this is that these locations are not wiped down and cleaned as a part of routine cleaning and disinfection protocols, thus demonstrating the importance of cleaning and disinfection. Hand hygiene by medical personnel and appropriate cleaning and disinfecting of the working environment are important for preventing the spread of nosocomial infections. Radiological technologists are also required to take effective measures against infections in consideration of the high frequency of contact with both infected patients and patients susceptible to infections.