Related Experiment Videos
Disinfection of Goldmann tonometers against human immunodeficiency virus type 1
J S Pepose1, G Linette, S F Lee
1Department of Ophthalmology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo 63110.
Abstract:
Goldmann tonometer tips were inoculated with 5 X 10(5) IU of cell-free or cell-associated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (lymphadenopathy virus type 1 isolate) or 10(4) plaque-forming units of herpes simplex virus type 1 (McKrae strain) or type 2 (Hicks strain). In an effort to mimic a "worst case" clinical scenario, each respective virus was allowed to air dry on the tonometer tip for 10 minutes. Inoculated tonometers were then (1) not treated, (2) wiped with a disposable (Kim-wipe) tissue or sterile gauze; (3) wiped with sterile gauze soaked with 3% hydrogen peroxide; or (4) wiped with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab. The hydrogen peroxide treatment and the alcohol wipes both completely disinfected the tonometer tips for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, whereas wiping with a sterile gauze or tissue was not effective. Wiping the Goldmann tonometer tip with an isopropyl alcohol swab and then allowing the alcohol to evaporate provides a ready and efficient means of inactivating these three enveloped viruses.
Insights
Isopropyl alcohol effectively disinfects Goldmann tonometer tips contaminated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. This method offers a practical solution for preventing cross-contamination in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Infection Control
Background:
- Goldmann tonometers are critical for measuring intraocular pressure.
- Potential for viral contamination of tonometer tips exists during ophthalmic examinations.
- Ensuring effective disinfection is crucial to prevent pathogen transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different disinfection methods for Goldmann tonometer tips contaminated with specific viruses.
- To identify a practical and efficient disinfection protocol for clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Goldmann tonometer tips were inoculated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) or herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2).
- Viruses were allowed to air dry on the tips for 10 minutes to simulate a worst-case scenario.
- Tonometer tips were then subjected to four treatment conditions: no treatment, wiping with tissue/gauze, wiping with 3% hydrogen peroxide, or wiping with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Main Results:
- Both 3% hydrogen peroxide and 70% isopropyl alcohol completely inactivated HIV-1, HSV-1, and HSV-2 on the tonometer tips.
- Simple wiping with sterile gauze or tissue was ineffective in eliminating viral contamination.
- Isopropyl alcohol evaporation provided a complete disinfection of the tonometer tips.
Conclusions:
- Wiping Goldmann tonometer tips with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allowing it to evaporate is a highly effective method for disinfecting against HIV-1 and HSV.
- This disinfection protocol is efficient and practical for preventing viral transmission in clinical ophthalmology settings.