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Analysis of microbial contamination during use and reprocessing of surgical instruments and sterile packaging systems

Lena Dreikausen1, Bernd Blender1, Milena Trifunovic-Koenig2

  • 1Front End Innovation & Materials (FEIM), Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany.

Plos One
|January 20, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Surgical site infections are common. This study found operating room air, not instruments or packaging, is the primary source of microbial contamination, highlighting the need for improved air quality control.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infection Control
  • Surgical Safety

Background:

  • Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
  • Identifying microbial sources is crucial for preventing SSIs and improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare microbial contamination levels from different sources in the surgical environment.
  • To determine the primary source of microbial contamination impacting surgical site infections.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of microbial load in operating room (OR) air using active air sampling and settle plates.
  • Measurement of airborne particle counts (≥0.3 μm).
  • Assessment of microbial contamination on reusable surgical instruments and sterile packaging systems via contact agar plates.

Main Results:

  • The highest microbial and particle loads were detected in OR air (max. 56 CFU/m³ airborne, 1,958,403 particles/m³).
  • No microbial load was found on surgical instruments sampled in the OR.
  • Sterile packaging systems showed a maximal microbial load of 64 CFU on their outer surfaces. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most prevalent pathogen.

Conclusions:

  • Operating room air is the predominant source of microbial contamination.
  • Proper reprocessing of surgical instruments and packaging is effective, but air quality remains a critical factor in preventing SSIs.

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