Control of Healthcare-Associated Infections using Silver Nanoparticles in Radiology.

AIMS: The control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) is a significant concern in the field of radiology due to multiple contact-transmitted pathogens on imaging devices. The antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in preventing HCAIs and their effects on imaging quality were evaluated.

METHODS

The antimicrobial effects of AgNPs were tested on prevalent contact-transmitted pathogens present in radiology examination rooms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of AgNPs on X-ray image quality using humanoid head and hand phantom.

RESULTS

AgNPs did not affect the quality of X-ray images. They had antimicrobial effects against Gram-positive Bacillus, including MRSA, VRE, and Gram-negative Bacillus, including P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii.

CONCLUSION

AgNPs are considered effective in controlling HCAIs in radiology through sterilization by coating shooting devices and accessories where physical contact between patients and healthcare professionals is frequent.