Microbiologic activity in laser resurfacing plume and debris.
OBJECTIVE
With the increasing use of laser resurfacing, concerns have arisen about the biological hazards associated with the procedure. This study analyzed the potential bacterial and viral exposure to operating room personnel as a result of the laser smoke plume in CO2 laser resurfacing.


METHODS
Thirteen consecutive patients underwent CO2 laser resurfacing. A HEPA filter in the smoke evacuator was used to collect specimens of the laser plume smoke for cultures. The study was controlled by a second filter exposed to room air.


RESULTS
The 13 patients each had one bacterial, one viral, and one control culture (total, 39 specimens). In the control group, none of the 13 specimens had any growth. No viral growth has been found to date. Of 13 bacterial cultures, 5 resulted in growth of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Of these five positive specimens, one also had growth of Corynebacterium and one had growth of Neisseria.


CONCLUSIONS
The potential exists for operating personnel to be exposed to viable bacteria during laser resurfacing.
Capizzi
P J
PJ
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Clay
R P
RP
Battey
M J
MJ
D000391:Air Microbiology; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003352:Corynebacterium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008851:Micropore Filters; D009343:Neisseria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009873:Operating Rooms; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015361:Rhytidoplasty; D012906:Smoke / Q000032:analysis; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014780:Viruses / Q000302:isolation & purification
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D012906:Smoke