Natural bioburden levels detected on rigid lumened medical devices before and after cleaning

Controversy exists concerning the degree of microbial contamination associated with the use of rigid lumened medical devices, the efficacy of standard cleaning techniques used to remove pathogenic microorganisms from lumen channels, and whether patients are placed at risk of cross infection because of microbial contamination. In this study the level and types of microorganisms found on rigid lumened medical devices before and after cleaning in a hospital environment were investigated. The bioburden level after clinical use was found to be relatively low, ranging from 10(1) to 10(4) colony forming units (CFU) per device. After the instruments were cleaned, none of the devices studied contained bioburden levels greater than 10(4) CFU and 83% had bioburden levels less than or equal to 10(2) CFU. The bioburden present before cleaning was comprised of organisms derived from the handling of the device, from the hospital environment, and from the patient. The bioburden present after cleaning was comprised of organisms typically derived from the handling of the device and from the hospital environment. The level of bioburden per device was also related to the anatomic site where the device was used, with lower numbers of organisms found on devices exposed to sterile body sites and the respiratory tract.