A recent study said hot-water equipment used in hospitals to conserve energy may be a haven for harmful bacteria, according to an article on the Modern Healthcare website.
Changes in a patient's length of stay, which is falling as a result of healthcare payment reform, can also contribute to the problem.
The study's authors say maintaining elevated water temperatures and ensuring constant circulation throughout a hot water system is important to limiting the growth and persistence of Legionella.
By continually flushing water through a system, engineers can avoid the buildup of biofilm, which can also absorb chlorine used in water as a disinfectant, the article said.
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