NEW YORK (Reuters Health) -
The use of Luminol, a
bioluminescent chemical used in crime investigations to detect
trace amounts of blood, might improve infection control in
hospitals, Dutch researchers report.

In a study reported in the Journal of Hospital Infection,
Dr. P. W. M. Bergervoet and colleagues, from Deventer
Ziekenhuis, describe the use of Luminol in their dialysis
units, noting that transmission of hepatitis C often occurs in
this setting and may be related to blood contamination of the
hospital environment.

To the naked eye, the dialysis unit looked clean. When
tested with Luminol, however, traces of blood were seen on
numerous surfaces, including dialysis control panels,
telephones, and the floor, even though some of them had been
cleaned.

Citing previous research, the investigators note that most
dialysis workers are unaware of the risk their patients face
from blood-borne infections and most do not strictly adhere to
hand hygiene recommendations and glove use.

“In our opinion, a possible solution for improving this
behavior is to improve basic knowledge about possible
transmission routes. This could be achieved by making invisible
blood traces visible with the Luminol method,” the
investigators believe.

SOURCE: Journal of Hospital Infection 2008.