Bacterial survival on radiographic cassettes.

The purpose of this investigation was to report the life span of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus on 3 types of radiographic imaging receptors currently used in diagnostic imaging departments in the United States. Kodak 400 speed, Dupont 400 speed and Fuji computed radiography cassettes were inoculated with the 3 bacteria, then placed in an incubation cabinet and cultured for a period of 2 weeks. All 3 cassettes revealed confluent growth with no noticeable reduction in bacterial numbers for the entire test period. This study verifies that common potentially pathogenic bacteria can survive for prolonged periods on radiographic imaging cassettes. Therefore, effective cleaning regimens are of fundamental importance in controlling and preventing potential nosocomial transmission in the diagnostic imaging department.