Laryngoscopes: Evaluation of microbial load of blades
Ana Claudia Negri de Sousa1, Vanessa Aparecida Vilas Boas2, Carlos Emilio Levy3
1Operating Theater, Women's Hospital Prof. Dr. José Aristodemo Pinotti, CAISM-University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Background:
Laryngoscope blades were analyzed, and the presence of blood, bodily fluids, and microorganisms was verified, indicating their potential as a source of cross contamination during clinical usage. The way in which the blades are cleaned and disinfected in daily practice may place the patient and health care team at risk. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial and fungal load on this equipment.
Methods:
Descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 83 laryngoscope blades, ready for use, were analyzed for their bacterial and fungal load at 2 university hospitals.
Results:
The microbiologic analysis revealed the presence of microorganisms in 76.2% of cases at institution 1 and 92.7% of cases at institution 2, with microbial loads >10(1) colony forming units in 31.2% and 44.7% of cases, respectively. At both institutions, potentially pathogenic microorganisms were found, including Candida sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Pantoea sp, Enterobacter gergoviae, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis.
Conclusions:
These results indicate that the use of laryngoscope blades at these 2 institutions present a potential risk. Based on these findings, action needs to be taken so a higher level of safety can be offered to patients and health care professionals who have direct contact with this equipment.
Insights
Contaminated laryngoscope blades pose a cross-contamination risk. This study found significant bacterial and fungal loads, including pathogens, on reusable blades, highlighting the need for improved disinfection protocols to protect patients and healthcare workers.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare Epidemiology
Background:
- Laryngoscope blades can harbor blood, bodily fluids, and microorganisms.
- Inadequate cleaning and disinfection practices pose risks for cross-contamination.
- Assessing microbial load on laryngoscope blades is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the bacterial and fungal load on laryngoscope blades.
- To identify microorganisms present on reusable laryngoscope equipment.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive cross-sectional study design.
- Analysis of 83 laryngoscope blades from two university hospitals.
- Microbiologic assessment of bacterial and fungal contamination.
Main Results:
- Microorganisms detected in 76.2% and 92.7% of blades at the two institutions.
- Significant microbial loads (>10(1) CFU) found in 31.2% and 44.7% of cases.
- Potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungi (Candida sp.) were identified.
Conclusions:
- Laryngoscope blade usage at the studied institutions presents a potential infection risk.
- Findings underscore the need for enhanced disinfection strategies.
- Improved patient and healthcare worker safety requires action based on these results.
