Interferential therapy machines as possible vehicles for cross-infection

Interferential therapy machines are used to apply alternating electric curr ents to patients for the treatment of various musculo-skeletal complaints. The potential for such machines to transfer skin microflora from one patien t to another during treatment was investigated. The efficacy of the current disinfection procedure of the machines was also evaluated. In both the lab oratory and clinical situation, interferential treatment, (which involves t he direct application of electrodes to the skin surface) resulted in the tr ansfer of micro-organisms from the skin of one subject to another. To decre ase the likelihood of transmission of micro-organisms via interferential th erapy machines, it is recommended that both the suction cups and sponges ar e disinfected with 70% isopropyl alcohol after the treatment of each patien t. The use of disposable electrodes could also be considered. (C) 2000 The Hospital Infection Society.