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Evaluation of Contamination of Multiuse Suture Cassettes in an HQHVSN Environment
Alyssa J Comroe1, James K Roush1
1From the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas.
Abstract:
Historically, it has been thought that suture cassettes become contaminated by bacteria through multiuse. However, High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) veterinarians have been using them for years without issue because of their significantly lower cost. The objective of this study was to determine if absorbable suture cassettes are contaminated through multiuse in an HQHVSN environment. A total of 101 suture samples from suture cassettes were collected from 25 HQHVSN clinics or shelters. The suture samples were placed in an enrichment broth tube and aerobic and anaerobic culture with microbe ID were performed. A total of 17/101 samples were positive for microbial growth, with 11/25 clinics having at least one positive sample. Based on these results, there is a significant risk to using suture cassettes that must be balanced against cost savings. Although HQHVSN veterinarians do not report an increase in infection using suture cassettes, based on the results of this study, there is likely contaminated suture being used during sterilization surgeries at these surgery sites.
Insights
Suture cassettes used in high-volume spay/neuter clinics show microbial contamination risk. Despite cost savings, this study found bacteria in 17% of samples, indicating potential for surgical site infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Surgical Practices
Background:
- Multiuse suture cassettes are historically suspected of bacterial contamination.
- High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) practices utilize these cassettes due to cost-effectiveness.
- Anecdotal evidence from HQHVSN veterinarians suggests no increased infection rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbial contamination of absorbable suture cassettes in HQHVSN environments.
- To assess the risk associated with the multiuse of suture cassettes in these settings.
Main Methods:
- 101 suture samples were collected from 25 HQHVSN clinics and shelters.
- Samples underwent enrichment broth culture.
- Aerobic and anaerobic cultures with microbial identification were performed.
Main Results:
- 17% (17/101) of suture samples tested positive for microbial growth.
- Contamination was detected across 11 out of 25 (44%) participating clinics.
- Specific microbial contaminants were identified through microbe ID.
Conclusions:
- The multiuse of suture cassettes in HQHVSN settings presents a significant risk of microbial contamination.
- Cost savings must be weighed against the potential risk of using contaminated sutures.
- While HQHVSN veterinarians may not report increased infections, the study indicates contaminated sutures are likely being used in sterilization surgeries.
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