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Prepared endotracheal tubes: are they a potential source for pathogenic microorganisms?

Nivez F Rasic1, Robert M Friesen, Bruce Anderson

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Anesthesia and Analgesia
|September 23, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Prepared endotracheal tubes (PETTs) can be safely stored for up to one month. This study found minimal pathogenic potential in PETTs, suggesting extended use can reduce operating room budget costs.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Devices
  • Microbiology
  • Anesthesiology

Background:

  • Prepared endotracheal tubes (PETTs) are critical for managing difficult intubations.
  • Current storage times for PETTs are variable and institution-dependent, leading to significant costs.
  • The potential for microbial contamination and survival on PETTs requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess if unused PETTs harbor pathogenic microorganisms.
  • To determine if PETTs support bacterial survival after contamination.
  • To establish a safe storage duration for PETTs to reduce healthcare costs.

Main Methods:

  • Phase 1: PETTs were placed in various operating room locations and sampled over 4 weeks.
  • Phase 2: PETTs were deliberately inoculated with common respiratory pathogens (H. influenzae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. faecium) and controls.
  • Microbial growth and identification were assessed after incubation; bacterial survival was monitored over 24 hours.

Main Results:

  • Nonvirulent bacteria were found in 8.1% of Phase 1 samples and 4.7% of Phase 2 samples.
  • No single PETT showed growth of the same bacteria more than once.
  • After 24 hours in Phase 2, only Enterococcus faecium was recovered, indicating limited bacterial survival.

Conclusions:

  • The pathogenic potential of prepared endotracheal tubes is minimal.
  • PETTs can be safely used for up to one month, supporting extended shelf life.
  • Implementing a one-month storage policy for PETTs can lead to substantial cost savings for operating rooms.

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