A case report of contaminated operating theatre multipurpose equipment: a potential hazard for health care workers.
The problem of bacterial contamination of clinical and operating equipment is well recognized [Claymane et al., J. Cataract Refract. Surg. 12, 158-161 (1986); Magnusson et al., J. Hosp. Infect. 7, 86-90 (1986)] and appropriate methods are available for ensuring adequate cleanliness. Operating theatre equipment may contain complex electro-mechanical technology which requires substantial 'down time' for maintenance and cleaning. Often this is not built into operating theatre schedules and problems can occur. Opportunistic bacteria may colonize surfaces in semisealed parts of equipment where, since these areas are not normally subject to cleaning procedures, their growth may go undetected. This could have serious clinical consequences. While the risk to patients is obvious [Bengtsson et al., J. Hyg., Camb. 83, 41-57 (1979)] theatre and maintenance staff may also be at risk, particularly if they have well controlled chronic disease which could predispose them to opportunistic infection. We describe bacterial contamination in the pump unit and exhaust of a combined electrosurgical/suction/fibre light unit commonly used in operating theatres throughout the U.K. A method of ensuring acceptable freedom from bacterial contamination is discussed.
Hodgson
E S
ES
Staffordshire County Council, Stafford, U.K.
Ruis-Frutos
C
C
D000336:Aerosols; D000391:Air Microbiology; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009873:Operating Rooms; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation*
D000336:Aerosols