As health care providers, we see multiple patients each day up close and personal. It's not uncommon to catch a cold from a patient's cough. But did you know your clinical surfaces could be spreading germs as well? Our research team, the Clinical Infectious Disease Control (CIDC) research unit at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been investigating bacterial contamination in physical therapy equipment.

Here are the results of three studies, some takeaways, and some common-sense tips to limit potential infections for you and your patients.