Cross-infection from contaminated anaesthetic equipment. A real hazard?
A definite relationship between the use of contaminated anaesthetic equipment and subsequent pulmonary infection remains to be established. There is however indirect and circumstantial evidence suggesting that cross-infection may occur, and further an increased susceptibility of surgical patients to pulmonary infections has been demonstrated. Decontamination should be recommended before the equipment is re-used. Pasteurisation may prove sufficient and this can be obtained employing a specially designed dish-washing machine.
D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012306:Risk; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative