ENT Practices

In ENT practices (ear, nose and throat medicine), drinking water comes into direct contact with patients, for example with open wounds. If it is contaminated with bacteria, this can lead to infections. Regular microbiological testing reduces this risk and shows you whether your water meets hygiene requirements.

Legal framework

In its guideline "Hygienic aspects in ear, nose and throat practice" (Hygienische Aspekte in der Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Praxis), the German Society for Hospital Hygiene (DGKH) recommends an annual microbiological test of the drinking water. The water must meet the microbiological requirements of the German Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV) and should comply with the recommendations of the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt).

The water supplier is responsible for drinking water up to the house connection. From the house connection onwards, the owners of the practice are responsible for water hygiene.

Our analysis packages

ENT Analysis

Testing according to the DGKH recommendation, covering the microbiological parameters for which drinking water in ENT practices should be tested at least once a year. You can include the package in the hygiene plan of your practice or clinic to document your own monitoring of water quality.

• Legionella spp.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Colony count 22 °C (CFU 22 °C, colony-forming units)
• Colony count 36 °C (CFU 36 °C)

Further testing

We are happy to agree the scope with you, for example for:

• E. coli, coliform bacteria or enterococci
• water from hand wash basins
• checking water hygiene before an ear irrigation unit is connected

Frequently asked questions

Why is water hygiene so important in ENT practices?

Tap water in Germany is usually of very high quality. It is still not sterile: it may contain germs or substances of concern, generally in harmless quantities. It becomes a problem when pathogens multiply to high concentrations in the drinking water.

In ENT practices, these bacteria can, for example, enter open wounds and cause infections. Water samples should therefore be tested for the relevant parameters, such as the colony count, Legionella and pseudomonads.

Who is responsible for water quality in the practice?

The water supplier is responsible up to the house connection. From the house connection onwards, the owners of the practice are responsible for compliance with water hygiene standards.

Neither patients nor practice staff should be put at risk by germs in the water. Regular testing shows you the state of your water quality and lets you act quickly if anything is abnormal.

Would you like to have your practice's drinking water tested, or do you need further parameters? Send an enquiry