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Lab 8: Fomite Transmission
Learning Objectives:
●Define fomite and how bacteria are transferred via fomites.
●Explain the role of fomite transmission in the hospital.
●Define nosocomial infections, HAIs (hospital acquired infections), and
Iatrogenic infections.
Introduction:
Fomites are inanimate objects or materials that may contain and harbor bacteria, fungi, or
viruses. There are many microorganisms in the environment that may or may not be pathogenic.
Microorganisms become pathogenic when they enter areas of the body where that
microorganism doesn’t normally reside (not part of the normal microbiota). In microbiology, the
transfer of pathogenic organisms from one host to another through an inanimate object is known
as indirect contact transmission. As a healthcare professional, you will come in contact with
many inanimate objects and it will be important to remember that these objects could
compromise the health of your patients. You will need to be aware of your surroundings and be
aware of how you can transfer harmful pathogens to your patients. For example, setting a
patient’s chart down on their bed could result in nosocomial (hospital acquired) infection for
your patient. That chart has been touched by many people who could be spreading
microorganisms. To help you understand the plethora of microorganisms found in the
environment, we will examine a number of fomites found in the laboratory, school, and your
home.
Materials: Agar plate, Marker, ruler, sterile swabs
Method:
1. Obtain one nutrient agar and divide the back of the plate into 8 sections using ruler
and marker. Label each section 1-8.
2. Using a new sterile swab, swab 8 different inanimate objects found in the lab area
and streak the agar plates.
3. Record the name of the swabbed objects in the lab report.
4. Incubate the agar plates at 37 ◦C for 24-48 hours.
5. Seal the plates with parafilm and do not open the plates.
6. Make observations using sealed plates only .
7. Use lab safety protocol at all times while observing each sections for growth on the
scale of 0-5. If there is no growth, report it as zero. Report excessive growth as 5.
8. On the lab report, describe observations regarding appearance, color, shape and size
of the colonies.
9. Once observation is completed, immediately put the plates in appropriate waste
container (biohazard bag) for autoclaving.
Lab Report:
