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Infectious diseases and the anaesthetist
1Department of Anaesthesia, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia = Journal Canadien D'Anesthesie
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Anesthetists must use universal precautions and proper sterilization techniques for equipment to prevent patient-to-patient and staff infections. This includes managing disposable items, chemical disinfection, and ethylene oxide sterilization for critical components.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Infection Control
- Public Health
Background:
- Anesthetic equipment requires rigorous management to ensure patient safety.
- Increasing prevalence of opportunistic infections, including HIV, necessitates enhanced infection control in operating rooms.
- Healthcare workers face risks of exposure to infectious agents through various routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline methods for sterilizing and disinfecting anesthetic equipment.
- To detail strategies for preventing infection transmission in the operating room.
- To emphasize the importance of universal precautions for anesthesiologists.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of sterilization techniques: disposable items, steam, chemical disinfection, pasteurization, and ethylene oxide.
- Exploration of protective measures: bacterial/viral filters for ventilators and soda lime canisters.
- Emphasis on barrier methods for skin protection and prevention of needlestick injuries.
Main Results:
- Various methods ensure a fresh supply of anesthetic equipment for each patient.
- Disposable filters can be sterilized with ethylene oxide weekly.
- Barrier methods and safe handling of sharps are crucial for protecting anesthesiologists.
Conclusions:
- Anesthesiologists must be vigilant against infections like HIV encountered in operating rooms.
- Universal precautions are essential when caring for all patients to prevent infection.
- Implementing these infection control strategies minimizes risks in the anesthetic environment.