Abstract
To determine the contamination of nebulizer units in otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinics, we conducted bacterial culture tests at 11 facilities. Bacteria were cultured using nebulizer bulbs and connecting tubes and the air for spray. As a result, glucose nonfermenting gram negative rods such as Corynebacterium sp, P. aeruginosa, and S. Paucimobilis were detected. Larger numbers of bacteria were detected in nebulizer bulbs and connecting tubes than in the air for spray. Washing nebulizers and tubing better would decrease the number of bacteria significantly. We conclude that appropriate washing of nebulizer units lessens the number of contaminating bacteria in nebulizer units.
