Recent research suggests electronic faucets are commonly contaminated with Legionella species, indicating opportunities for infection prevention efforts, according to a study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
For their study, researchers collected water samples from 20 newly installed electronic faucets and 20 existing manual faucets in three units at a university hospital. The samples were collected from Dec. 15, 2008-Jan. 29, 2009. In addition, the researchers collected cultures from components of four dismantled electronic faucets.
Their analysis revealed at least one sample from 95 percent of electronic faucets was contaminated with Legionella species. By comparison, water samples from only 45 percent of manual faucets showed any cultures. In addition, 14 percent of tested electronic faucet water cultures grew Legionella species even after chlorine dioxide remediation, compared to 3 percent of manual faucets, and all dismantled components of electronic faucets grew Legionella species.
For their study, researchers collected water samples from 20 newly installed electronic faucets and 20 existing manual faucets in three units at a university hospital. The samples were collected from Dec. 15, 2008-Jan. 29, 2009. In addition, the researchers collected cultures from components of four dismantled electronic faucets.
Their analysis revealed at least one sample from 95 percent of electronic faucets was contaminated with Legionella species. By comparison, water samples from only 45 percent of manual faucets showed any cultures. In addition, 14 percent of tested electronic faucet water cultures grew Legionella species even after chlorine dioxide remediation, compared to 3 percent of manual faucets, and all dismantled components of electronic faucets grew Legionella species.
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