Bacterial contamination of the anesthesia breathing machine: effectiveness of current infection control measures
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25751/rspa.27273Keywords:
Air Filters, Anesthesia, Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia, Infection Control, Operating Rooms, Mechanical VentilatorsAbstract
Background
Bacterial contamination of anesthesia breathing machines and its potential hazard for anesthetized patients have been a concern for many decades. Bacterial filters are effective in preventing breathing circuit contamination but clear recommendations about their use are lacking.
The objective of this study is to verify whether the current infection control standards for the operating theater at our institution are effective in preventing contamination of the anesthesia breathing machine.
Materials and methods
For 5 consecutive days, samples were collected from both the inspiratory and expiratory ports of two anesthesia breathing machines. Samples were incubated and followed up for identification of any microorganism.
Results
A total of 20 samples were collected, and no bacterial growth was observed.
Conclusion
In this study both the inspiratory and expiratory ports of the anesthesia machine remained sterile when using the Air-Guard Clear (Intersurgical®) in the expiratory port of the breathing circuit, together with a disposable HME filter for each patient. We conclude that the current infection control protocol is effective in preventing bacterial contamination of the anesthesia breathing machine. Despite Intersurgical® only warrantees filter efficacy over 24h, the filter appears to be effective for 5 days. This increased interval in filter change allows the hospital an estimated annual saving of 4.442€. Clear national and international guidelines about breathing circuit management are lacking and regulatory policies would be most welcome.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Duarte Filipe Lopes Simões Duarte, Amélia Sousa Glória, Ana Cristina Silva, Ana Marta Pinto, Marcos Pacheco da Fonte, Caroline Dahlem
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