FROM BEDSIDE TO BEAM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF INFECTION CONTROL IN DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING UNITS – INSIGHTS FROM NURSES, RADIOGRAPHERS, DENTAL ASSISTANTS, AND PATIENT CARE TECHNICIANS
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Keywords
Diagnostic imaging, infection control, radiographers, nurses, dental assistants, patient care technicians, healthcare-associated infections, compliance, environmental contamination
Abstract
Background: Diagnostic imaging units are integral to modern healthcare delivery, yet they present unique infection control challenges due to high patient turnover, shared equipment, and diverse staff roles. Despite standardized guidelines, variations in infection prevention practices persist across professions such as nursing, radiography, dental assisting, and patient care support, potentially contributing to healthcare-associated infections. Objective: To systematically review current evidence on infection control practices within diagnostic imaging units, highlighting multidisciplinary perspectives and identifying gaps related to compliance, training, environmental hygiene, and workflow design. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library (2014–2024) was performed using keywords related to diagnostic imaging, infection prevention, radiographers, nurses, dental assistants, and patient care technicians. Eligible studies included observational studies, audits, surveys, and interventional research conducted in imaging settings. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively, following PRISMA guidelines. Results: Thirty-four studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, compliance with hand hygiene ranged from 27% to 89%, with radiographers demonstrating higher adherence in MRI and CT units, while nurses showed closer compliance during contrast administration and patient preparation. Environmental contamination of high-touch surfaces such as control panels, positioning aids, lead aprons, and dental imaging sensors was consistently reported, with positive cultures found in 18–64% of sampled sites. Training gaps were noted, particularly among dental assistants and patient care technicians, where fewer than 50% had received formal infection control education in the previous year. Interventional studies showed that targeted training, visual reminders, and standardized cleaning checklists significantly improved compliance and reduced bioburden. Conclusion: Infection control in diagnostic imaging units remains suboptimal and varies by professional role. Multidisciplinary education, regular audits, clear cleaning protocols, and integrated workflow design are crucial to reducing infection risk. Future research should evaluate the long-term sustainability of targeted interventions and address emerging challenges posed by high-technology imaging environments.
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