ObjectiveTo understand effect of application of disposable shoe covers on the culture result of airborne bacteria in intensive care unit (ICU). MethodsAccording to Hygienic standards for disinfection in hospitals（GB 15982-2012）and Technical standards for disinfection in medical institutions（WS/T 367-2012），the colony forming units of bacteria in ICU air were detected for 15 consecutive days when disposable shoe covers were used and unused, bacterial culture results were analyzed. ResultsThe number of patients, number of visitors, temperature, and humidity in ICU when disposable shoe covers were used and unused were not significantly different (all P>0.05). The total number of bacterial colonies in ICU air when using disposable shoe covers was (median ± interquartile range: ［1.20±2.20］ CFU/15 min.·Φ9 cm. plate), which was significantly higher than air when disposable shoe covers were not used(median ± interquartile range: ［0.60±1.10］ CFU/15 min.·Φ9 cm. plate), difference was statistically significant（P<0.05）.The qualified rate of bacterial culture result of air when disposable shoe covers were not used was higher than that when disposable shoe covers were used （96.67% vs 86.67%, P<0.05）. ConclusionThe use of disposable shoe covers can not improve ICU air quality.