## Demystifying Sticky Mats for Floors: How They Help in Infection Control
### Infection Control with Sticky Mats
Sticky mats have become an essential tool for controlling the spread of infections in various settings. Particularly in hospitals, these mats play a critical role in managing nosocomial infections, which are infections acquired within the hospital environment. By placing sticky mats at strategic points, particularly at the entrances of sensitive areas like the Burn Intensive Care Unit (BICU), healthcare facilities can significantly reduce microbial contamination.
### Understanding the Study Design
A recent study focused on the effectiveness of sticky mats in reducing microbial contamination in BICUs. The researchers employed a straightforward cross-sectional design, taking samples from the outer soles of personnel’s shoes both before and after they made contact with the sticky mats. These samples then underwent microbial culturing to identify and quantify the presence of harmful microorganisms.
### Key Findings: Reduction in Microbial Contamination
**Microbial Isolation**: Before interacting with the sticky mats, the samples showed alarming rates of microbial presence: 57 cases (95%) of Coagulase negative Staphylococci, 32 cases (53%) of Gram positive bacilli, 4 cases (6.7%) of *Staphylococcus aureus*, and 3 cases (5%) of *Acinetobacter baumannii*. These numbers dramatically dropped after contact with the mats.
**Colony Counts**: The total isolated microbial colonies decreased from 2573 to 830, indicating a 56% reduction in microbial contamination. This substantial decrease underscores the effectiveness of sticky mats in maintaining a cleaner environment in critical areas of the hospital.
### Effective and Statistically Significant
The study concluded unequivocally that sticky mats significantly reduce microbial contamination. The differences in microbial isolation before and after contact with the mats were statistically significant, adding weight to the argument for their use in infection control.
### Discussion: Battling Resistant Bacteria
The article also delves into the issue of resistant bacteria, which are a significant concern in hospital settings. Bacteria such as *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Acinetobacter baumannii*, and even fungi like *Aspergillus fumigatus* are common culprits of healthcare-associated infections. While some studies back the efficacy of sticky mats in reducing these infections, others remain skeptical, suggesting that the mats may not play a significant role. Nonetheless, the evidence presented in this study offers strong support for the use of sticky mats as a mitigation strategy.
### Practical Applications Beyond Hospitals
The utility of sticky mats is not limited to hospital settings. Construction sites also benefit from their use, as these mats can prevent the spread of dust and spores, thus maintaining a cleaner and safer working environment.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, sticky mats are a practical and effective tool for infection control. They significantly reduce microbial contamination, particularly in critical areas within hospitals, and their role is backed by statistically significant data. Moreover, their application extends beyond healthcare into other environments like construction sites, showcasing their versatility and importance in maintaining cleanliness and safety. Whether you’re looking to reduce nosocomial infections or simply control dust, sticky mats offer a straightforward and effective solution.
