New research from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville charts bacteria's path from the healthcare facility sink to the patient, according to an article on the Becker's Infection Control & Clinical Quality website.
"Our study demonstrates that bacterial spread from drainpipes to patients occurs via a staged mode of transmission," Amy Mathers, MD, the study's lead investigator and an associate professor of medicine and pathology, said in the article.
Bacteria colonize in drainpipe elbows and can grow up the pipes at a rate of about an inch a day. That means bacteria can reach the sink bowl in about a week.
They are eventually splashed in and around the sink.
What To Know Now About OSHA's Updated Hazcom Rule
HealthSource of Ohio and UC Health Partner for New Medical Office Building
NorthShore Health Centers Investigates Data Security Incident 
Healthcare Ransomware Attacks Reach Record High in Q3 2026
Bon Secours Mercy Health Acquires Fauquier Health