title: Effectiveness of bacterial disinfectants on surfaces of mechanical ventilator systems.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pathogens in healthcare settings can be transmitted via skin contact and environmental media. This study investigates bacterial contamination rate on surfaces of mechanical ventilator systems and bedside equipment. An experimental study evaluates the effectiveness of 75%  alcohol in killing bacteria on surfaces.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surface swab sampling was conducted on ventilator systems and patient bedside equipment for detection of bacterial contamination. Surfaces of ventilator systems, such as faceplates, Y-pieces, and water traps, were swab sampled at 0.5, 8, and  24 hours after initial disinfection using a solution containing 0.5% sodium hypochlorite and pasteurization. The 75% alcohol aerosol was sprayed on the surfaces of faceplates, Y-pieces, and water traps on ventilator systems at 24 hours after initial disinfection, and then bacterial levels  on the surfaces were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Detection rates of Staphylococcus aureus were measured on the handrails of mechanical ventilators (64.7%), Y-pieces of breathing circuits (86.7%), and resuscitators (60.0%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified on the surfaces of Y-pieces  (6.7%) and water traps (13.3%) of breathing circuits, and also on suction systems (6.7%) and resuscitators (13.3%). The positive rate for total bacterial count was clearly increased on the surfaces of faceplates, Y-pieces, and water traps at 8 hour following disinfection by 0.5% sodium hypochlorite  solution and pasteurization. Concentrations of S. aureus on surfaces decreased following treatment with 75% alcohol. However, considerable P. aeruginosa growth on water trap surfaces was observed after treatment with 75% alcohol.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The surfaces of ventilator  systems, including faceplates, Y-pieces, and water traps, must be disinfected frequently (at least every 8 h) to control bacterial growth. Disinfection using 75% alcohol spray with air drying effectively decreased S. aureus on ventilator system surfaces.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Therapy, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yi-Shan
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Sui
authors.forename: Gwo-Hwa
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Wan
authors.forename: Ya-Wen
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Hsiang-Lin
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Ku
authors.forename: Li-Pien
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Chiu-Hsin
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Huei-Shin
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Mau
mesh_terms: D000438:Alcohols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial / Q000379:methods; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D061352:Pasteurization / Q000379:methods*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012124:Respiratory Care Units / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000438:Alcohols; D004202:Disinfectants; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite