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Ethyl chloride: an ineffective bacteriostatic or cidal agent for arthrocentesis
1Department of Orthopaedics, Louisiana State University Medical School, New Orleans.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Ethyl chloride, commonly used as a local anesthetic, was tested for effects on skin microbes. This study found that ethyl chloride does not inhibit or kill common skin bacteria or fungi.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Ethyl chloride is recognized for its local and general anesthetic properties.
- Its potential antimicrobial effects on skin flora have not been extensively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bacteriostatic and cidal effects of ethyl chloride on common skin flora when used as a local anesthetic.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen distinct aerobic bacteria and fungi from pure cultures were utilized.
- Specimens were exposed to ethyl chloride spray for 5 and 10 seconds.
- Post-exposure cultures were incubated for 24 hours to assess microbial growth.
Main Results:
- No significant growth inhibition was observed in any of the tested bacterial or fungal cultures.
- Ethyl chloride application did not demonstrate bacteriostatic or cidal activity.
Conclusions:
- Ethyl chloride, when applied as a local anesthetic, does not possess inherent bacteriostatic or cidal properties against common skin flora.
- Clinical use of ethyl chloride should not be relied upon for antimicrobial effects.
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