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Bacterial contamination of PCA and epidural infusion devices

M Rothwell1, D Pearson, K Wright

  • 1Acute Pain Service, Macclesfield Hospital, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK. mick@ohc.me.uk

Anaesthesia
|July 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial contamination of reusable analgesia infusion pumps was high. An extra cleaning step using isopropyl alcohol wipes significantly reduced pump contamination, improving patient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infection Control
  • Healthcare Technology

Background:

  • Reusable medical devices, such as analgesia infusion pumps, can harbor bacteria.
  • High bacterial contamination rates pose a risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To audit bacterial contamination on reusable analgesia infusion pumps.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of an additional cleaning protocol.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective audit of 112 samples from pump handsets and keypads.
  • Bacterial cultures to identify contamination.
  • Implementation of 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe cleaning.
  • Re-audit of 100 samples after implementing the new cleaning protocol.

Main Results:

  • Initial audit revealed 45% handset and 46% keypad contamination, primarily with coagulase-negative staphylococcus.
  • Post-intervention audit showed significantly reduced contamination rates: 6% for handsets and 4% for keypads.
  • The additional cleaning step demonstrated high efficacy in reducing bacterial load.

Conclusions:

  • Reusable analgesia infusion pumps are frequently contaminated with bacteria.
  • A simple cleaning protocol using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes is highly effective in reducing contamination.
  • Implementing enhanced cleaning procedures is crucial for infection control in healthcare settings.

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