@article{Sripore_Boonmak_Boonmak_Muknumporn_Naewthong_Sabangban_Sangkaew_2013, title={Bacterial contamination of the laryngoscope blades after 4% hibiscrub and 70% alcohol decontamination under plastic bag covering}, volume={21}, url={https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SRIMEDJ/article/view/13204}, abstractNote={<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p> <p><strong>Background: </strong>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)<sup>1</sup>, a high incidence of contaminated laryngoscope blades was found.  Methods for effective cleaning of laryngoscope blades are needed  to improve patient safety.<strong></strong></p> <h4>Objective:  To determine the incidence of microbial contamination of laryngoscope blades after decontamination with 4% hibiscrub and 70% alcohol with a plastic bag covering.</h4> <p><strong>Design: </strong>Descriptive study</p> <p><strong>Methods: </strong>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.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>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.<em> </em>Contamination of laryngoscope blades used in the ENT operation room and the Gynecological operation room.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong>:  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.</p> <p><strong><em>Keywords</em></strong>:  Contamination, laryngoscope blade, sterilization</p>}, number={1}, journal={Srinagarind Medical Journal}, author={Sripore, Supattra and Boonmak, Suhattaya and Boonmak, Polpun and Muknumporn, Tippawan and Naewthong, Penvisa and Sabangban, Lumyai and Sangkaew, Janchai}, year={2013}, month={Nov.}, pages={30–35} }