title: Audit of decontamination procedures for specialist ophthalmic equipment.
abstract: A survey of ophthalmic decontamination protocols in eight district hospitals was undertaken. Procedures differed widely. A literature search revealed only four publications on the subject, all of which dealt with tonometer head disinfection only. After discussion with several manufacturers, whose advice was restricted largely to acrylic lens disinfection and which varied considerably, a local policy for ophthalmic decontamination was established. Nationally agreed disinfection guidelines for high risk ophthalmic instruments are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, District General Hospital, Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Dart
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Goddard
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Cooke
mesh_terms: D003261:Contact Lenses; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005027:Ethylene Oxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D005976:Glutaral / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011786:Quality Control; D013242:Sterilization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol; D005027:Ethylene Oxide; D005976:Glutaral