Nondisposable sphygmomanometer cuffs harbor frequent bacterial colonization and significant contamination by organic and inorganic matter.

In the hurried milieu of operating rooms, emergency departments, and intensive care units, contaminated sphygmomanometers (blood pressure cuffs) may not be routinely sanitized or replaced with clean cuffs between patient use. Previous investigations, though few in number, have identified blood pressure cuffs as potential sources of nosocomial infection or vehicles for transmission of contagion in selected patient populations. In this study, presumed "clean" blood pressure cuffs were cultured and evaluated for organismal proliferation and contamination by organic and inorganic debris. Results indicated that frequent bacterial colonization and soiling with organic and inorganic substances did occur on "clean" blood pressure cuffs. Although risk of disease transmission was not measured, the need for better sanitation and disinfection of the cuffs between patient use became evident.