Environmental Sampling for Safer Healthcare: Linking Microbiology and IPC Practice

Karolina Mercoulia¹

¹Food, Environment and Enteric Diseases Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory (MDU PHL)

Biography:

Karolina Mercoulia is the Division Lead Scientist of the Food, Environment, and Enteric Pathogens Laboratory at the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory (MDU PHL). She specialises in environmental and foodborne disease surveillance and pathogen characterisation. Under her leadership, the team provides state and national public health support, leveraging laboratory expertise in microbiology, whole-genome sequencing, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance to enhance outbreak investigations and disease surveillance. Her team is also involved in training and capacity building in the areas of food and environmental microbiology through various programs internationally.

Abstract:

Infection prevention and control (IPC) seeks to reduce avoidable infections in both patients and healthcare workers through the implementation of evidence-based practices that promote safe and high-quality care. Environmental sampling and microbiological investigations are central to IPC programs, offering valuable insights into potential risks, system failures, and unusual contamination events. The development of an environmental sampling plan requires consideration of appropriate sampling procedures, equipment needs, and the health and safety of personnel. The type of sample collected—whether food, water, surface swabs, or air—has a direct influence on the interpretation of microbiological findings. Similarly, the choice of microbiological testing methods determines the scope and reliability of results, thereby informing the assessment and validation of preventative controls. A structured and systematic approach to environmental sampling, combined with robust microbiological laboratory support, is critical to the effectiveness of IPC programs. Such integration strengthens incident investigations, supports verification of control measures, and contributes to the ongoing improvement of healthcare safety and quality.