Descriptive study on level and characterisation of bacterial contamination on medical devices in Clinical Skills Center (CSC) of a Nursing Faculty, Malaysia

Othman, Noratikah and Jainlabdin, Mohd Hanif and Hamzah, Nazirah and Ismail, Mohamad Wafiuddin and Ahmad, Azmir (2026) Descriptive study on level and characterisation of bacterial contamination on medical devices in Clinical Skills Center (CSC) of a Nursing Faculty, Malaysia. International Journal of Care Scholars, 9 (2). pp. 19-26. ISSN 2600-898X

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Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated infections remain a significant challenge in clinical settings, with medical devices being potential vectors for bacterial contamination. This study aimed to determine the level of bacterial contamination on medical devices, identify bacterial types based on cell morphology and Gram stain, and count bacterial colonies in the Clinical Skill Center (CSC) of a Nursing Faculty in Malaysia. Methods: A total of 30 medical devices were selected using a purposive sampling method. Detection of bacterial contamination were conducted using the turbidity and culture plate method. The colonies formed on the plate were counted and the colony forming unit (CFU) was calculated. Gram staining was also conducted for further characterization of the isolated bacteria. The colony morphology was determined using naked eye observation and cell morphology was determined using Gram staining by observation under microscope. Results: Among the culture-positive swabs, 30 medical devices were confirmed to be contaminated. A total of 28 isolates (93.3%) were identified as Gram-positive bacteria, while two isolates (6.7%) were Gram-negative. The highest bacterial load was observed on the suction pump, with a colony count of 1.44 x 108 CFU/ml. Conclusion: Overall, this study showed that medical devices in CSC were 100% contaminated with bacteria. Most of the bacteria identified by cell morphology were bacillus and Gram positives. These findings highlight the importance of emphasizing disinfection practices among nursing students towards effective infection control in hospital during their clinical posting and future life career

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bacteria, Contamination, Medical device
Subjects:	Q Science > QR Microbiology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA643 Communicable Diseases and Public Health
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Nursing Kulliyyah of Science Kulliyyah of Science > Department of Chemistry Institute of Planetary Survival for Sustainable Well-Being (PLANETIIUM)
Depositing User:	Dr. Azmir Ahmad
Date Deposited:	18 Jun 2026 15:24
Last Modified:	18 Jun 2026 15:24
Queue Number:	2026-06-Q3690
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129313

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