2016 Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 14-19
In the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, infection control is difficult, because instruments, such as medical units and nebulizers, frequently exposed to the mucosa and mucus are commonly used without thorough disinfection in a large number of patients. However, there is little evidence regarding recent contamination of such instruments. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated bacterial contamination in the mucosa/mucus-exposed areas of such unit peripherals and electric auriscopes, at the external tube ends of nebulizers, in the operation areas of endoscopes, and on the surfaces of head mirrors worn by physicians.
Only indigenous bacteria at a level lower than on general environmental surfaces were detected in the above areas, excluding the surfaces of head mirrors. No bacteria that may cause airway inflammation such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophillus influenzae were detected in any area.
Based on this, the risk of pathogenic infection among patients may be low if the mucosa/mucus-exposed areas of instruments for common use are cleaned/disinfected using intermediate disinfection for individual patients.
To prevent patient-to-patient infection and protect health care professionals against infection, further evidence should be accumulated, and appropriate guidelines for the prevention of infection must be established.
