Chiropractic Care and Importance of Infection Control

While the importance of cleaning the tables, headpieces and sanitizing’s our hands has
always been made prevalent to us. Until recent studies in Microbiology, the effects of not
doing so have become more apparent. While I understand methods in which I can prevent
the spread of germs and pathogens, a better understanding and more detailed format for
infection control in a clinical setting are needed for my future in chiropractic.

My best option to find information on this topic would be through peer-reviewed articles on
the risk of pathogens in a chiropractic setting as well as infection control techniques. Studies
on the subjects will give me a more in-depth and concise understanding of the matter.

A study by Evans, M, W et al (2007) found that a more comprehensive behavioural model

for infection control should be adopted into chiropractic clinics. Stating “All teaching clinics
and private chiropractic offices should adopt infection control practices including routine
table disinfecting and hand sanitizing” (Evans, M, W et al 2007). It went on further to say
that pathogenic microbes may be present in chiropractic tables but they can, however, be
effectively killed with disinfecting. It also said that hand sanitizing and hand washing are one
of the most important measures of infection control as we are a very hands-on profession.
This was backed by a second study from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological
Therapeutics which went onto say “Hand and table sanitizing is important in reducing
threats of pathogenic microbes”(Evans, M, W et al 2009). Evans, M, W et al (2007) found
that “post-sanitizing testing demonstrated no pathogenic microbes present on tested tables
after use of either of the disinfecting agents”.

It is clear while there is not always a clear format or guide within the Chiropractic industry
for infection control. It is crucial for us as health care providers to ensure that when we
practice and interact with patients we must not only keep us ourselves clean and sanitary
but the equipment we use as well. We are a hub for human interaction with many different
people all coming to a single location, which in turn can result in transfer and spread of
pathogens if we do not take care. This issue can, however, be avoided with regular and
thorough sanitizing of ourselves and our equipment between patients.
References:

Evans, M, W., Breshears, J., Campbell, A., Husbands, C, Rupert, R. (2007). Assessment and
risk reduction of infectious pathogens on chiropractic treatment tables. Chiropractic
and Manual Therapies, 15(1). DOI 10.1186/1746-1340-15-8

Evans, M, W., Ramcharan, M., Ndetan, H., Floyd, R., Globe, G., Pfefer, M., Brantingham, J.
(2009). Hand hygiene and treatment table sanitizing in chiropractic teaching
institutions: Results of an education intervention to increase compliance. Journal of
Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(6), 469-476.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.06.007