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[Fiberoptic bronchoscope disinfection with glutaraldehyde phenolate in 1:8 solution]
G Rodríguez-Froján1, J Castella, C Puzo
1Departamento de Neumología, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona.
Abstract:
We evaluated the efficacy of phenolated glutaraldehyde in a 1:8 solution for the disinfection of bronchofibroscopes that were highly contaminated with Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. An Olympus BF-P10 bronchofibroscope was contaminated with artificial samples containing one of the aforementioned microorganisms in concentrations nearing 10(8) colony forming units per milliliter (cfu/ml). The instruments were then washed with soap and water and submerged in a 1:8 solution of phenolated glutaraldehyde. Samples were taken for culturing after contamination, after washing, and after 10, 15 and 30 min in the disinfectant solution. The level of cfu/ml in the cultures was measured and the definition of failure-to-disinfect was a finding of > or = 1 cfu/ml after each experimental procedure. Twenty procedures, 10 for each microorganism, were carried out. Washing of the bronchofibroscope afforded significant elimination of microorganisms and no colony growth was observed in cultures after 10 min submersion in phenolated glutaraldehyde. We conclude that immersion in a 1:8 solution of phenolated glutaraldehyde after careful washing is a valid way to disinfect bronchofibroscopes that are highly contaminated with S. marcescens and P. aeruginosa.
Insights
Phenolated glutaraldehyde effectively disinfects bronchofibroscopes contaminated with Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A 1:8 solution, after washing, achieved complete disinfection within 10 minutes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Disinfection
Background:
- Bronchofibroscopes are critical for diagnosing respiratory conditions.
- High contamination levels of bacteria like Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pose infection risks.
- Effective disinfection protocols are essential to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of phenolated glutaraldehyde (1:8 solution) for disinfecting bronchofibroscopes.
- To determine the disinfection time required for highly contaminated instruments.
- To assess the effectiveness against Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Main Methods:
- Bronchofibroscopes were artificially contaminated with high concentrations (approx. 10(8) cfu/ml) of S. marcescens or P. aeruginosa.
- Instruments underwent washing with soap and water.
- Submersion in a 1:8 phenolated glutaraldehyde solution for 10, 15, or 30 minutes.
- Microbial cultures were performed post-contamination, post-washing, and post-disinfection.
Main Results:
- Pre-disinfection washing significantly reduced microbial load.
- No microbial growth (failure-to-disinfect) was observed after 10 minutes of submersion in the 1:8 phenolated glutaraldehyde solution.
- The disinfection protocol was effective against both tested microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- A 1:8 solution of phenolated glutaraldehyde is a valid and effective method for disinfecting bronchofibroscopes.
- Thorough washing followed by 10-minute immersion in phenolated glutaraldehyde ensures disinfection of instruments highly contaminated with S. marcescens and P. aeruginosa.
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