Raw microbiological analysis data
Description
This dataset contains microbial recovery counts (CFU/g) from hand swabs collected at two locations within an active food processing facility (an entry protocol area and a washroom), comparing an electric warm-air hand dryer against a paper towel dispenser installed in parallel. Sampling was carried out at five sequential durations following installation of a microbiologically pre-verified filter and paper stock: 2 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months. At each duration and location, four replicate samples were collected (two under the hand dryer condition, two under the paper towel condition), each cultured on four microbiological media.
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Study site and design :Data were collected at a food processing facility in Sunyani, Ghana, at two hand-hygiene stations: the entry protocol area (a mandatory checkpoint immediately before the production floor) and a general staff washroom. At each location, an electric warm-air hand dryer and a paper towel dispenser were installed in parallel for direct comparison. Baseline verification: Before sampling began, dispensers were opened and cleaned, and paper towels were aseptically folded and loaded. The filter and paper stock were confirmed microbiologically clean at installation using a touch-plate method. Sample collection: Following a standardized handwashing procedure, hand swabs(touch plate method) were collected immediately after drying with each method, at five sequential durations since installation (2 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months), with two independent replicate swabs per method at each location/duration combination. Sampling frequency, exposure time, and time of day were held constant across all occasions. Samples were transported to the laboratory without delay and analyzed immediately to preserve integrity. Microbiological analysis: Each swab was assayed on four media, prepared by standard sterilization and pour-plate technique: PCA (Plate Count Agar) - total viable count, per ISO 4833:1991(E) MEA (Malt Extract Agar) -yeast and mould, per ISO 21527-1:2008 VRBGA (Violet Red Bile Glucose Agar) -total coliforms, per ISO 4832 EMB (Eosin Methylene Blue Agar) -E. coli detection, per NMKL 44:2004 Equipment: Weighing scales, sterile agar plates, autoclave (media sterilization), and incubator.