Vol. 9, Issue 9, Part A (2023)

Background: Radiology department is an essential integral part of a very standard hospital based on its diagnostic roles in the hospital, as no hospital can claim to be of a high standard without a radiology unit. Most radiological examinations such as chest, abdomen/pelvis, thoracic and lumbosacral require that patient remove their clothing and wear a radiolucent gown provided by the radiology unit, which may serve as a source of microorganisms that causes nosocomial infection. This study was designed to evaluate the possibility of patients changing gowns acting as a source of microorganisms that can cause nosocomial infection.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study, which was conducted with a sample of 20 gowns in the radiology department of a tertiary hospital in Anambra State, Nigeria was carried out from April to May 2023. Swab samples were collected from the inner parts of the clean changing gowns intended for patient use for radiological examinations before they were used and the swab was cultured.

Results: Eight out of the 20 gowns (40%) harboured some microorganisms. The isolated microorganisms from the gowns were Staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus epidermidis, and Klebsiella spp.

Conclusion: It is therefore possible that the patient's changing gowns can be a source of nosocomial infections.