SELECTION
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Sink-related cleaning practices to prevent the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings
IRAS ID
363519
Contact name
Nicole Stoesser
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Many people develop infections while in hospital, and water sources like sinks and sink drains play a role in spreading the microbes (germs) involved in these infections. The way hospital sinks are currently cleaned might not always stop harmful germs from growing, and some cleaning chemicals can even damage the environment or upset the balance of bacteria leading to increased numbers of harmful germs and/or the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in these germs.
This project will look at how different methods of cleaning affect the germs that live in sinks. We will test both current and new cleaning approaches, measuring how many bacteria are present and what types of microbes are found. We will also speak with healthcare workers who are involved in cleaning and infection control to understand their experiences and views. The goal is to find cleaning methods that are safe, effective, and environmentally friendly.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0376
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion