Comparison of nylon-flocked swab and cellulose sponge methods for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and gram-negative organism recovery from high-touch surfaces in patient rooms

The ideal sampling method and benefit of qualitative versus quantitative culture, for Carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae recovery in hospitalized patients’ rooms/bathrooms is unknown. Although nylon-flocked swab improved overall Gram-negative organism recovery compared with cellulose sponge, both were similar for Carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Quantitative culture was inferior and unrevealing beyond the qualitative results.