Infection control in the bronchoscopy suite. A review

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology
• Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

• Bronchoscopy is a common medical procedure with a potential risk of disease transmission.
• Infection control in bronchoscopy suites is critical due to the possibility of transmitting serious infections like HIV and tuberculosis.
• Existing literature lacks comprehensive guidance for clinicians on preventing bronchoscopy-related infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on disease transmission via bronchoscopy.
• To identify the mechanisms by which bronchoscopy can cause disease.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for infection control in bronchoscopy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published case reports, patient series, and small studies.
• Analysis of transmission routes: patient-to-patient, within-patient, and airborne.
• Synthesis of recommendations for infection control practices.

Main Results:

• Bronchoscopy can transmit infections between patients.
• Microorganisms can be transferred within a patient during the procedure.
• Coughing triggered by bronchoscopy can lead to airborne infection transmission.
• Effective infection control strategies are essential.

Conclusions:

• Bronchoscopy poses risks for disease transmission through multiple routes.
• Comprehensive infection control protocols are necessary to mitigate these risks.
• Recommendations include enhanced air filtration, disposable components, thorough cleaning, cough management, and prophylactic antibiotics when indicated.