Danish researchers develop method that detects sources of bacterial contamination

It can help prevent thousands of people from getting ill

Lucie Rychla

Aug 18, 2016

Researchers from the Technical University of Copenhagen (DTU) have developed a new method that makes it easier for institutions, such as nursing homes and hospitals, to find bacterial and viral sources of contamination in their environs.

The method could help prevent the spread of various diseases, including the flu.

The researchers have invented a special measuring tool, which is easy to use and which can quickly detect potential sources of contamination.

Life-threatening infections
Trial tests in kindergartens and kitchens have shockingly revealed there were viruses in 90 percent of all samples, even though the tested areas had been cleaned before.

Consuming food contaminated with harmful bacteria can be life-threatening for residents at nursing homes, explained Hanne Win, who works in the kitchen at Bispebjerg Plejehjem.

The new method will be available from 2019 and the researchers hope it will lead to a more targeted cleaning of premises and thus prevent thousands of people from getting sick every year.

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