ABSTRACT
Microbiological testing methods are a simple and reliable means of identifying the microbial —ora that inhabit or contaminate hospital air, surfaces, and equipment. Although sampling is only used on an as-needed basis in hospitals and regular sampling is generally not recommended by regulatory agencies, sampling provides the only means of investigating hospital aerobiology and surface contamination. Sampling methods for air and surfaces are fairly straightforward and the equipment needed for such testing is relatively inexpensive. Knowledge of the surface and airborne concentrations in different areas of the hospital and the species detected can be invaluable in identifying potential problems and determining the success of decontamination efforts. The microbiological air quality in operating rooms may be considered a mirror of the hygienic condition of the OR (Pasquarella et al. 2004). Three sampling methods are addressed in this chapter: (1) settle plate sampling, (2) volumetric air sampling, and (3) surface sampling. Table 18.1 lists some of the more common growth media used for bacteria and fungi.
