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Contaminated aerosol recovery from pulmonary function testing equipment
T Hiebert1, J Miles, G C Okeson
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Scott & White Clinic and Memorial Hospital, Scott, Sherwood and Brindley Foundation, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple 76508, USA.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|February 2, 1999
Summary
A 5-minute delay between spirometry tests significantly reduces the risk of infectious agent transmission. This study found no detectable aerosolized E. coli after a 5-minute pause, ensuring patient safety during pulmonary function testing.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infection Control
Background:
- Transmission of infectious agents during spirometry is a rare clinical concern with limited documentation.
- Standard pulmonary function testing involves sharing equipment, raising potential infection control questions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for aerosolized microorganism transmission through spirometry tubing.
- To determine the minimum safe interval between patient tests to prevent cross-contamination.
Main Methods:
- Nonpathogenic Escherichia coli were aerosolized into standard spirometry tubing.
- Air samples were collected from the tubing at 0, 1, 5, and 10-minute intervals after aerosolization.
- Collected samples were cultured to quantify viable organisms.
Main Results:
- Immediately after aerosolization, proximal air samples showed high bacterial counts.
- After a 1-minute delay, only rare organisms were recovered.
- No detectable organisms were found in proximal samples after 5 or 10-minute delays.
Conclusions:
- A delay of 5 minutes or more between spirometry tests effectively prevents the transfer of aerosolized microorganisms.
- Routine pulmonary function testing can be considered safe regarding infectious agent spread with adequate inter-test intervals.