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Jun 10, 2013Article Details
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Main Article Content
Bacterial contamination of re-usable laryngoscope blades during the course of daily anaesthetic practice
Abstract
Anaesthetic practice plays a limited role in the prevention of HAIs, although laryngoscope use and decontamination is an area of concern.
We aimed to assess the level of microbial contamination of re-usable laryngoscope blades at a public hospital in South Africa.
Setting. The theatre complex of a secondary-level public hospital in Johannesburg.
Methods. Blades from two different theatres were sampled twice daily, using a standardised technique, over a 2-week period. Samples were
quantitatively assessed for microbial contamination, and stratified by area on blade, theatre and time using Fisher’s exact test.
Results. A contamination rate of 57.3% (63/110) was found, with high-level contamination accounting for 22.2% of these. Common
commensals were the most frequently isolated micro-organisms (79.1%), but important hospital pathogens such as Enterobacter species and Acinetobacter baumannii were isolated from blades with high-level contamination. No significant difference in the level of microbial contamination by area on blade, theatre or time was found (p<0.05).
Conclusions. A combination of sub-optimal decontamination and improper handling of laryngoscopes after decontamination results in significant microbial contamination of re-usable laryngoscope blades. There is an urgent need to review protocols and policies surrounding the use of these blades.
