[Microbial contamination of immersed massage devices].

Investigations in the District of Schaumburg. On the occasion of the inspection of a hospital we became aware of the problem of contamination of underwater-massage tubs with microorganisms. Hence, investigations according to the German DIN standard 19,643 were performed on 41 tubs. Very often we found a high count of microorganisms. If Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected, the use of the respective tub was prohibited because of the risk of infection (about 70% of all tubs). The reasons are the design of the pumps and different procedures of cleaning and disinfection. During the investigations the suppliers of the apparatus were queried. In some cases, technical improvements have already been effected. Reliable standard disinfection procedures must be developed.