[Microbiological evaluation of two different disinfection protocols of a new hemodialysis monitor with an ultrafilter].
BACKGROUND
Hemodialysis monitors represent a frequent site for bacterial contamination.


METHODS
Two different disinfection protocols on a new device (Formula(R), Bellco) have been compared: only chemical or chemical plus heat disinfection by means of CFU, and LAL test. The endotoxin removing capacity of ultrafilter was tested with varying lipopolysaccharide concentrations.


RESULTS
Similar results were obtained with heat disinfection compared to chemical disinfection (CFU and LAL test). The LAL test (chromogenic and gel-clot) showed that the ultrafilter performance decreased with use and was significant after 200 operating hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Heat disinfection between dialysis shifts and chemical disinfection at the end of the day exclude bacterial contamination of the monitor as well as chemical disinfection; LAL test is a useful and simple tool to assess the ultrafilters performance in each Center.
Vallero
A
A
Divisione di Nefrologia e Dialisi, Ospedale Giovanni Bosco, Turin, Italy.
Tetta
C
C
Formica
M
M
Pozzato
M
M
Cesano
G
G
Limbarino
C
C
Corsi
A
A
Pizzo
L
L
Quarello
F
F
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008851:Micropore Filters; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014462:Ultrafiltration