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The efficacy of adhesive plastic incise drapes in preventing wound contamination
Abstract:
A direct method of tracing the bacterial indicators (Human Albumin Microspheres) for evaluation of adhesive plastic incision drapes was used. The particles were sprayed on the prepared skin beneath the plastic incision drape in 30 operations. At the end of the operation, wound irrigates were collected for retrieval of the particles. No particles could be detected in any of the procedures studied. It was shown that, when a plastic incise drape is properly applied, it conforms to the skin and no air bubbles or pockets of fluid will form beneath or around the incised edge of the drape. It will remain tightly adherent to the skin throughout the operative procedure. Used in this manner, plastic incise drapes can aid in preventing the migration of skin microbes into the surgical wound as was demonstrated by the complete absence of simulated bacterial indicators in all 30 of the wound irrigates that were examined.
Insights
This study evaluated adhesive plastic incision drapes using simulated bacterial indicators. Properly applied drapes prevented microbial migration, as no indicators were detected in wound irrigates from 30 operations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Surgical Innovation
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Adhesive plastic incision drapes are used in surgery to create a sterile field.
- Their efficacy in preventing microbial contamination from the skin to the surgical wound requires direct evaluation.
- Understanding drape adherence is crucial for assessing their barrier function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly assess the microbial barrier effectiveness of adhesive plastic incision drapes.
- To evaluate if simulated bacterial indicators can penetrate properly applied drapes.
- To confirm the adherence properties of drapes during surgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- Human Albumin Microspheres were used as direct bacterial indicators.
- Particles were applied to the skin beneath the drape in 30 surgical operations.
- Wound irrigates were collected post-operation for particle retrieval.
Main Results:
- No simulated bacterial indicators were detected in any of the 30 wound irrigates.
- Properly applied drapes demonstrated complete adherence to the skin.
- No air bubbles or fluid pockets formed under the drapes, ensuring a sealed barrier.
Conclusions:
- Adhesive plastic incision drapes, when correctly applied, form an effective microbial barrier.
- They prevent the migration of skin microbes into the surgical wound.
- The study confirms the integrity and adherence of drapes in preventing contamination.