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Microbial contamination of non-disposable instruments in otolaryngology out-patients
Steven Powell1, John Perry, David Meikle
1Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Victoria In"rmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Abstract:
Nosocomial infections are an important cause of morbidity and contaminated equipment may contribute to this. There has been little work concerning contamination of non-disposable equipment in Otolaryngology. This study investigates the efficacy of the cleaning regimen for non-disposable instruments in an Otolaryngology out-patients clinic. Instruments were swabbed before each clinic, when they had been autoclaved, then after use on patients, when they had been washed with detergent and chlorhexidine. Swabs of 86 instruments were cultured using standardized microbiological techniques. Fifteen instruments (17 per cent) were contaminated, most with coagulase negative staphylococci. Two specimens of Micrococcus luteus were cultured and one each of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter lwoffii and Aureobacterium spp. Micrococcus luteus and coagulase negative staphylococci may represent skin contaminants, but Aureobacterium spp. and Acinetobacter lwoffii can be sources of nosocomial infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a potentially serious pathogen and is implicated in the aetiology of otitis externa. These findings question the efficacy of the current cleaning techniques.
Insights
Contaminated non-disposable instruments in Otolaryngology clinics pose infection risks. Current cleaning methods may be insufficient, highlighting the need for improved disinfection protocols to prevent nosocomial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Nosocomial infections are a significant cause of patient morbidity.
- Contaminated medical equipment can contribute to the spread of infections.
- Limited research exists on the contamination of reusable Otolaryngology instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the current cleaning regimen for non-disposable instruments in an Otolaryngology outpatient clinic.
- To identify microbial contamination on instruments before and after cleaning procedures.
Main Methods:
- Standardized microbiological techniques were used to culture swabs from 86 non-disposable instruments.
- Instruments were sampled before clinic use (post-autoclaving) and after patient use (post-cleaning with detergent and chlorhexidine).
Main Results:
- 17% of instruments (15 out of 86) showed microbial contamination.
- Common contaminants included coagulase-negative staphylococci and Micrococcus luteus.
- Potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter lwoffii, and Aureobacterium spp. were also detected.
Conclusions:
- The current cleaning techniques for non-disposable Otolaryngology instruments may not be fully effective.
- The presence of pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter lwoffii raises concerns about infection control.
- Further investigation and potential improvements in disinfection protocols are warranted.