title: The microbiological and sustainability effects of washing anaesthesia breathing circuits less frequently.
abstract: In the presence of single-use airway filters, we quantified anaesthetic circuit aerobic microbial contamination rates when changed every 24 h, 48 h and 7 days. Microbiological samples were taken from the interior of 305 anaesthetic breathing circuits over a 15-month period (3197 operations). There was no significant difference in the proportion of contaminated circuits when changed every 24 h (57/105 (54%, 95% CI 45-64%)) compared with 48 h (43/100 (43%, 95% CI 33-53%, p = 0.12)) and up to 7 days (46/100 (46%, 95% CI 36-56%, p = 0.26)). Median bacterial counts were not increased at 48 h or 7 days provided circuits were routinely emptied of condensate. Annual savings for one hospital (six operating theatres) were $AU 5219 (£3079, €3654, $US 4846) and a 57% decrease in anaesthesia circuit steriliser loads associated with a yearly saving of 2760 kWh of electricity and 48 000 l of water. Our findings suggest that extended circuit use from 24 h up to 7 days does not significantly increase bacterial contamination, and is associated with labour, energy, water and financial savings.
authors: Western Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
authors: F
authors: F
authors: McGain
authors: C M
authors: CM
authors: Algie
authors: J
authors: J
authors: O'Toole
authors: T F
authors: TF
authors: Lim
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Mohebbi
authors: D A
authors: DA
authors: Story
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Leder
mesh_terms: D058109:Airway Management / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000758:Anesthesia; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development; D058491:Bacterial Load; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003428:Cross Infection; D004203:Disinfection / Q000592:standards; D004560:Electricity; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017743:Equipment Reuse / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013242:Sterilization / Q000592:standards; D014881:Water Supply / Q000191:economics