Recolonization of anesthetic instruments after regular treatment with potentially pathogenic organisms

Anesthetic instruments are classified as classes B with regard to sterilization status. This means that washing with soap and water or other detergents is sufficient for reuse. A prospective study was conducted over a 6 month period in the operating (rooms) theatres at Princess Basma Teaching Hospital on anesthetic instruments including laryngoscopes, oxygen masks, airways, tracheal tubes and suction catheters. Fifteen different samples were taken randomly at different sites on these instruments after they had been prepared conventionally for use, and these samples were cultured for bacterial contamination (e.g. P. Aeruginosa). The results showed that potentially pathogenic bacteria were colonizing these instruments. It was concluded that these instruments are important vehicles for transmitting various agents of infection and play an important role in causing nosocomial infections. It is recommended that more effective methods be used for sterilizing these instruments.