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Convection warmers--not just hot air
1Department of Anaesthetics, Johannesburg Hospital, South Africa.
Anaesthesia
|December 24, 1997
Summary
Forced air convection warmers may spread pathogenic organisms in operating rooms. Using them with perforated blankets and microbial filters can prevent hospital-acquired infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Forced air convection warmers are commonly used in operating theatres.
- Their potential role as a source of microbial pathogens has not been fully investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if forced air convection warmers (Bair Huggers, Warm Touch) are a source of microbial pathogens.
- To assess methods for mitigating microbial contamination from these devices.
Main Methods:
- Agar plates were exposed to the air stream of warmers.
- Warmers were tested with and without perforated blankets.
- Swabs were taken from warmer hoses, and microbial filters were applied.
Main Results:
- Potentially pathogenic organisms grew on agar plates exposed to the warmer's air stream.
- No microbial growth occurred when warmers were used with perforated blankets.
- Colonization sites were identified in warmer hoses; filters eliminated detectable organisms.
Conclusions:
- Forced air convection warmers can be a source of nosocomial infections.
- Recommendations include using perforated blankets, regular filter changes, and hose sterilization.
- Integrating microbial filters into warmer design is suggested.