Microbial transfer by surface contact in cleanrooms

Whyte, W. and Eaton, T. (2015) Microbial transfer by surface contact in cleanrooms. European Journal of Parenteral and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 20(4), pp. 127-131.

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to ascertain the proportion of microbes that would be transferred from a contaminated surface to a receiving surface in a cleanroom. To simulate transfers, microbe-carrying particles (MCPs) were sampled from the skin onto donating sterile surfaces, which were latex gloves, stainless steel and clothing fabric. A contact was made between these surfaces and a sterile receiving surface of stainless steel, and the proportion of MCPs transferred ascertained. The proportion of MCPs transferred, i.e. the transfer coefficient, was 0.19 for gloves, 0.10 for stainless steel, and 0.06 for clothing fabric. These transfer coefficients would vary in different conditions and the reasons are discussed.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Whyte, Dr William
• Authors: Whyte, W., and Eaton, T.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
• Journal Name: European Journal of Parenteral and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Publisher: Euromed Communications
• ISSN: 0964-4679
• ISSN (Online): 1740-6277
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Euromed Communications
• First Published: First published in European Journal of Parenteral and Pharmaceutical Sciences 20(4):127-131
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher.