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Multiple-use atomizers in outpatient otolaryngology clinics are not necessarily an infectious risk
Ann Marie B Visosky1, Andrew H Murr, Valerie Ng
1University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, USA.
Objective:
We sought to determine the risk of bacterial transmission from multiple-use atomizers in an outpatient otolaryngology clinic.
Study Design And Setting:
Atomizers in 6 examination rooms were analyzed for bacterial contamination. Sterility of associated tubing from 1 atomizer was assessed. Multidose drug solutions in the atomizers (phenylephrine and tetracaine) were cultured multiple times over a 2-week period. Serial dilutions of the original sample were cultured to minimize inhibitory effects of antiseptic agents in the drug formulations.
Results:
No bacteria were recovered from tubing cultures. Only 2 (0.6%) of 336 cultures of the drug solutions yielded bacterial growth. In both cases, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was recovered in 1 of the dilutions prepared from original samplings.
Conclusion:
Multiple-use atomizers that contain phenylephrine and tetracaine solutions with bacteriostatic preservatives in an outpatient otolaryngology clinic do not yield significant bacterial growth and, when used as described, do not pose an infectious risk of bacterial transmission between patients.
Insights
Multiple-use atomizers in otolaryngology clinics are safe for patient use. Bacterial contamination of phenylephrine and tetracaine solutions was minimal, posing no significant infectious risk.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Disease Control
- Microbiology
Background:
- Multiple-use atomizers are common in outpatient otolaryngology settings.
- Concerns exist regarding potential bacterial transmission via shared medical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risk of bacterial contamination and transmission from multiple-use atomizers in an otolaryngology clinic.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultures were performed on atomizers, associated tubing, and multidose phenylephrine/tetracaine solutions over two weeks.
- Serial dilutions were used to overcome potential inhibitory effects of drug preservatives.
Main Results:
- No bacterial growth was detected in cultures of the atomizer tubing.
- Only 0.6% of drug solution cultures (2 out of 336) showed bacterial growth (coagulase-negative Staphylococcus).
Conclusions:
- Phenylephrine and tetracaine solutions in multiple-use atomizers contain bacteriostatic preservatives.
- These atomizers, when used appropriately, do not present a significant risk for bacterial transmission between patients.