A Preliminary Assessment of Culturable Bacteria in a Laboratory Environment

A simple microbiological method was employed in this study to assess firsthand the contamination of the most common accessible laboratory surface. Of the 48 different samples swabs from various locations of different laboratories, growth on the different plates was observed in only 33 of them (68.7%). The bacteria cultured predominantly was Pseudomonas spp. (100%-12/12) followed by Staphyloccoccus spp. in 75% of the isolations, 66.6% E. coli and least isolations attributed to Salmonella (33.3%). The trial was conducted in a naturalistic setting as this approach could help to identify the actual presence of contamination in a normal working environment on a normal working day. The high percentage of isolates in a laboratory setting in this study indicates a high potential risk of cross contamination and door handles are object of frequent contact. The value of routine cleaning combined with the need for regular education of staff and students on the importance of good hygiene are stressed for effective prevention of cross contamination potentials from laboratory surfaces.