Controlled Substance Liquid Waste Management Systems As Potential Reservoirs for Nosocomial Infection in a Pediatric Hospital.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if controlled substance waste management systems (CSWMS) demonstrate microbial growth, and therefore present a potential infection risk to pediatric hospital patients.

Methods: Twenty CSWMS, either Smart Sink or Pharma Lock systems, located in patient care areas were sampled. Twelve were located in critical care areas.