Bacillus cereus–Contamination of Alcohol Prep Pads

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report MMWR of March 25,2011 reported on 2

children at a Denver Area Hospital that developed Bacillus cereus infections.A

subsequent investigation found that 40/60 non-sterile alcohol prep pads were

contaminated with the organism.These pads were not clearly labeled as non

sterile on the individual packages.  I was not aware that alcohol individual prep pads would not even be available in non-sterile form. We checked our office and found that though

we had ordered sterile pads–we had been switched to non-sterile –through a

medical supply house. These pads were clearly labeled as non-sterile.

1.Please check all your alcohol prep products and make sure they are sterile

2.One would question as to why non-sterile alcohol preps would ever be available

in health care facilities.  Dr

Smith