Bacterial contamination of the laryngoscope blades after 4% hibiscrub and 70% alcohol decontamination under plastic bag covering

Authors

  • Supattra Sripore
  • Suhattaya Boonmak
  • Polpun Boonmak
  • Tippawan Muknumporn
  • Penvisa Naewthong
  • Lumyai Sabangban
  • Janchai Sangkaew

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Contaminated laryngoscope blades may be the cause of respiratory tract infection in patients intubated under general anesthesia.  In a previous study done at Srinagarind Hospital (2002)1, a high incidence of contaminated laryngoscope blades was found.  Methods for effective cleaning of laryngoscope blades are needed  to improve patient safety.

Objective:  To determine the incidence of microbial contamination of laryngoscope blades after decontamination with 4% hibiscrub and 70% alcohol with a plastic bag covering.

Design: Descriptive study

Methods: We collected curved laryngoscope blades (number 3) after use in the surgery at Srinagarind Hospital between June 2004 and January 2005.  All of the blades were sterilized with 4% hibiscrub followed by a wiping with 70% alcohol while covered with a plastic bag.  Swabs samples were then taken by wiping a cotton bud along the base to the tip of blade then cultured.  The results were recorded as positive or negative findings.

Results: Ninety-nine samples from laryngoscope blades were collected.  The incidence of positive findings among the sterilized laryngoscope blades after using the chemical method was 2.02 % (95%CI 0.25, 7.11) (2 samples).  The organisms were Staphylococcus coagulase negative and Streptococcus spp. Contamination of laryngoscope blades used in the ENT operation room and the Gynecological operation room.

Conclusion:  Our technique for laryngoscope blade sterilization resulted in a low incidence of contamination (2.02%) .  Consideration should be given this approach to sterilization, especially for patients with compromised immunity.

Keywords:  Contamination, laryngoscope blade, sterilization

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How to Cite

1.
Sripore S, Boonmak S, Boonmak P, Muknumporn T, Naewthong P, Sabangban L, Sangkaew J. Bacterial contamination of the laryngoscope blades after 4% hibiscrub and 70% alcohol decontamination under plastic bag covering. SRIMEDJ [Internet]. 2013 Nov. 25 [cited 2024 Nov. 14];21(1):30-5. Available from: https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SRIMEDJ/article/view/13204

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Original Articles