Microbiological analysis of water and thickeners used for people with dysphagia. (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boaden, Elizabeth; Thomas, Lois; Higham, Susan; Watkins, Caroline
• Is Part Of: Nursing & residential care. Volume 23:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: dysphagia -- screening -- therapy -- thickeners -- microbiology; Nursing home care -- Periodicals; 362.16
• DOI: 10.12968/nrec.2021.23.1.6
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-9301

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Thickened fluids are a recognised intervention strategy in use for people with dysphagia. However, their bacterial profile has not previously been examined. Aims: To identify bacteria and changes in bacterial profiles in a range of water sources and thickener preparations over a 5-day period. Methods: Nine experiments were performed using a range of preparations of water (sterile, drinking, non-drinking tap water) and a thickening agent (sterile sachet and a used tin). Findings: No bacteria were grown on serial subcultures of sterile water, both with and without thickener. Drinking, tap and thickened water left at room temperature for 24 hours may become contaminated with environmental organisms. Conclusions: The growth of bacteria in preparations of thickening agent appears to be dependent upon water quality, while the proliferation of bacteria is dependent upon the length of time the preparation is allowed to stand at room temperature.