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Risk of cross-infection related to the multiple use of disposable syringes
C A Trépanier1, M R Lessard, J G Brochu
1Département d'Anesthésie, Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus, Université Laval, Québec.
Abstract:
The rate of blood contamination of IV tubings used in anaesthesia practice was investigated. Only IV tubings started in the operating room were studied. First, 300 tubings of three different types were tested at the three distal injection sites. The contamination rate was 3.3 per cent at the injection site closest to the IV catheter and 0.3 per cent at the furthest. The presence of a check-valve did not affect the contamination rate. Second, 300 third injection sites fixed at a level equal to or above the IV catheter were tested. None of them was contaminated. Finally, in order to evaluate whether changing the needle alone could prevent the contamination of syringes, injections were made into a tubing where blood was flowing. Thirty-four per cent of the syringes tested positive for blood. We conclude that IV tubings have a significant contamination rate in usual practice. This rate decreases as the distance from the IV catheter increases. The use of the third site fixed at a level equal to or above the IV catheter carries a lower risk of contamination. Changing the needle alone is a useless procedure to prevent cross-contamination.
Insights
Intravenous (IV) tubings in anesthesia practice show significant blood contamination. Contamination risk decreases with distance from the IV catheter, highlighting safer site selection for IV procedures.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Intravenous (IV) tubings are critical in anesthesia.
- Blood contamination of IV lines poses infection risks.
- Understanding contamination rates is vital for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the blood contamination rate of IV tubings during anesthesia.
- To identify factors influencing contamination, such as injection site and device features.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of needle changes in preventing contamination.
Main Methods:
- Tested 300 IV tubings at three distal injection sites.
- Evaluated 300 additional injection sites positioned at or above the IV catheter.
- Assessed syringe contamination by injecting into flowing blood, with and without needle changes.
Main Results:
- Contamination rates were 3.3% at the closest injection site and 0.3% at the furthest.
- No contamination was found at injection sites positioned at or above the IV catheter.
- Changing needles alone did not prevent syringe contamination (34% positive).
Conclusions:
- IV tubings exhibit significant contamination in clinical practice.
- Increasing distance from the IV catheter reduces contamination risk.
- Utilizing specific injection sites (above IV catheter) and avoiding needle changes are key to minimizing contamination.