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Reusable tourniquets the source of infections

Reusable tourniquets could be responsible for transmitting superbugs in hospitals, according to research published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Sixty-one of the 100 reusable tourniquets collected had a bacterial species present that would not normally be associated with the area in which they were used.

The infection can increase not only a patient’s length of stay in the hospital but also the overall costs of care.

Disposable tourniquets are rarely used because of perceived difficulties in applying the products and potential patient discomfort.

Around six per cent of patients will contract an infection during their time in hospital.

Read more at Medical Journal of Australia

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