Applanation tonometer tip sterilization for adenovirus type 8.
Eighty-nine ophthalmologists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area were surveyed to find the methods used to sterilize applanation tonometer tips. Sixteen different methods were in use, with the most popular being alcohol wipes (26%) and diluted sodium hypochlorite soak (23%). Six of the most frequently used sterilization techniques were evaluated for removal of type 8 adenovirus applied to sterile tonometer tips. Adenovirus was removed or inactivated from applanation tonometer tip surfaces by using one of the following techniques: soaking inoculated tips for 15 minutes in diluted sodium hypochlorite (1:10 household bleach), 3% hydrogen peroxide, or 70% isopropyl alcohol; or wiping with alcohol "prep pads", 1:1000 merthiolate, or dry tissues.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas.
E R
ER
Craven
S L
SL
Butler
J P
JP
McCulley
J P
JP
Luby
D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007637:Keratoconjunctivitis / Q000382:microbiology; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular / Q000295:instrumentation*