Study Finds Hospital Coffee Machines Pose Minimal Infection Risk

Author: BMJ
Published: 2023/12/18 - Updated: 2025/05/17
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Informative
Category Topic: Rehabilitation and Hospitals - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This paper, published in the BMJ and peer-reviewed for scientific rigor, investigates whether hospital coffee machines serve as reservoirs for harmful, antibiotic-resistant bacteria that could contribute to hospital-acquired infections. Researchers in Germany swabbed 25 coffee machines-both in hospital and home settings-testing for the presence of high-priority pathogens, including the notorious "ESKAPE" group. While all machines harbored some microbial growth, hospital machines were more heavily colonized, yet most bacteria found were harmless commensals rather than dangerous pathogens. Importantly, no antibiotic-resistant strains were detected, and only a few medically relevant bacteria were present, suggesting that while routine cleaning and hand hygiene remain important, there is no need for a general ban on coffee machines in hospitals.

This information is particularly valuable for healthcare workers, patients, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who may be more vulnerable to infection, as it provides reassurance about the relative safety of these commonly used appliances in clinical environments - Disabled World (DW).

Defining Information Regarding Hospital Coffee Machine Inspections

Information Regarding Hospital Coffee Machine Inspections

Coffee machines in hospitals are typically inspected for hygiene on a regular basis. The frequency of inspections may vary depending on the hospital's policies and regulations. However, it is common for coffee machines to be inspected at least once a month to ensure that they meet the required cleanliness standards. These inspections help maintain a safe and sanitary environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

Hospitals typically follow specific guidelines and regulations when inspecting coffee machines to ensure compliance with hygiene standards. These guidelines may vary slightly depending on the region or country, but they generally include the following aspects:

Regular Cleaning: Coffee machines are expected to be cleaned regularly, both internally and externally, to prevent the buildup of bacteria, mold, or other contaminants.

Sanitization Procedures: Hospitals often have designated sanitization procedures that staff must follow when cleaning and maintaining coffee machines. This includes using appropriate cleaning agents and ensuring thorough disinfection.

Water Quality: Hospitals prioritize the quality of water used in coffee machines. They may have systems in place to regularly test and monitor water quality to prevent any risk of contamination.

Maintenance Checks: Coffee machines are inspected to ensure that all components, such as filters, pipes, and brewing mechanisms, are in proper working order. Regular maintenance helps prevent malfunctions that could compromise hygiene.

Staff Training: Hospital staff responsible for coffee machine maintenance are often trained on proper cleaning and maintenance procedures to ensure that they adhere to hygiene regulations.

Introduction

Healthcare workers will be relieved to know that hospital coffee machines are not responsible for spreading disease and a general ban doesn't seem necessary, finds a study published in the Christmas issue of The BMJ.

Main Content

In a bid to eliminate hospital acquired (nosocomial) infections, various objects have been investigated as breeding grounds for bacteria including doctors' ties and even hospital bibles.

But despite being regularly touched by lots of bare hands, the potential of hospital coffee machines as a source of infection had not previously been explored.

To address this, researchers in Germany assessed the microbial population in healthcare associated coffee machines, with a focus on the World Health Organization's high priority "ESKAPE" pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species).

These bacteria pose an increasing threat because they are resistant to many antibiotics and can lead to fatal bloodstream or catheter associated infections.

From 31 October to 31 December 2022 the researchers swabbed a total of 25 coffee makers spanning a range of fully automatic, capsule (such as Nespresso), and espresso machines.

Seventeen were from break rooms and offices at a university hospital's Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine and at the Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene, both in Cologne, Germany. A further eight were in staff members' homes.

All coffee makers had been in use for at least a year, and none was specially cleaned before sampling. There was no current disease outbreak at any of the locations at the time of sampling.

Each of the coffee makers was swabbed at five specified sites on the machine: the drip tray, the outlet, the buttons, the handle of the water tank, and the inside of the water tank.

Species were identified from cultures using spectrometry. Typical pathogens were grouped into "medically relevant" and commensals into "atypical pathogens" and differentiated by Gram type: positive or negative (the latter have an outer membrane, which aids antibiotic resistance).

Unsurprisingly, microbial growth was detected on every coffee machine and hospital machines were about three times as heavily colonized (360 strains isolated from 72 positive swabs) as home machines (135 strains isolated from 34 positive swabs).

Most detected species were commensals (bacteria that live on the skin or in the gut and pose no threat to health). Only a few medically relevant and no antibiotic resistant pathogens were identified.

Among the eight types of medically relevant Gram negative species detected, 81% were found in coffee makers at the hospital, mainly collected from drip trays, outlets, and water tank handles, emphasizing the need to follow hand hygiene protocols.

Staphylococcus aureus was the only possibly Gram positive disease causing species collected: once on the buttons of a home coffee maker and once on the inside of a water tank at the hospital, suggesting that users' hands touch even unlikely parts of the machines, note the authors.

"To our great relief, despite their potential for pathogen origins in nosocomial outbreaks, a general ban on coffee makers doesn't seem necessary," they write. What's more, the study has reportedly resulted in extensive cleaning measures.

They add:

"Our thoughts now turn to tea drinking nations. Are teapots, kettles, and hot water spouts similar breeding grounds for bacteria? Are the high temperatures in the pots sufficient to kill all potential pathogens? And what about the handles?"

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The findings highlight the importance of evidence-based assessments in infection control practices. While vigilance in hygiene remains paramount, especially in healthcare settings, it's equally crucial to discern actual risks from perceived ones. This study not only alleviates concerns about a common amenity but also reinforces the value of routine maintenance and hand hygiene. As hospitals continue to balance safety with comfort, such research ensures that policies are grounded in scientific evidence, benefiting all stakeholders, including vulnerable populations. Rather than eliminating the small comforts that coffee machines provide to busy staff and anxious visitors, hospitals can focus on reinforcing good hygiene practices-striking a balance between safety and quality of life for everyone, including those most at risk - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by BMJ and published on 2023/12/18, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.