A randomised, single-blind comparison of high-level disinfectants for flexible nasendoscopes.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the microbiological efficacy, turnaround time, cost, convenience, and patient and user tolerance of Tristel Trio Wipes, PeraSafe solution and Cidex OPA solution for the high-level disinfection of flexible nasendoscopes.


METHODS
Flexible nasendoscopes were used in routine clinical encounters. They were then disinfected with one of the three disinfectant methods. Surveillance cultures were taken before and after each disinfection process. Data relating to each of the study parameters were recorded.


RESULTS
Positive bacterial cultures were discovered on nasendoscopes disinfected with PeraSafe and Cidex OPA. Tristel Trio Wipes have no capital outlay cost, the lowest running cost, the greatest convenience and the fastest turnaround time. PeraSafe had a faster turnaround time than Cidex OPA, and lower running costs.


CONCLUSIONS
Tristel Trio Wipes are equal to PeraSafe and Cidex OPA in terms of microbiological efficacy. Turnaround time and cost are dramatically reduced when using Tristel Trio Wipes compared to the other disinfectant methods.
Department of Otolaryngology,Bay of Plenty District Health Board,Tauranga,New Zealand.
B
B
Hitchcock
Department of Nursing,Bay of Plenty District Health Board,Tauranga,New Zealand.
S
S
Moynan
Department of Statistics,University of Otago,Dunedin,New Zealand.
C
C
Frampton
Department of Nursing,Bay of Plenty District Health Board,Tauranga,New Zealand.
R
R
Reuther
Department of Urology,Bay of Plenty District Health Board,Tauranga,New Zealand.
P
P
Gilling
Open University,Milton Keynes,UK.
F
F
Rowe
D000328:Adult; D017606:Chlorine Compounds; D004202:Disinfectants; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D019723:Endoscopes / Q000382:microbiology*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005976:Glutaral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059747:Nasal Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009666:Nose / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D010087:Oxides; D016037:Single-Blind Method
D017606:Chlorine Compounds; D004202:Disinfectants; D010087:Oxides; C025109:chlorine dioxide; D005976:Glutaral
Decontamination; Endoscopes; Laryngology; Otolaryngology