| Author: | Lau, Mei Ying |
| Title: | The bacterial contamination of laryngoscope handle and the implications of the infection control practice : a pilot study in Hong Kong |
| Advisors: | Boost, Maureen (HTI) Cheng, Andy (RS) |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2013 |
| Subject: | Medical instruments and apparatus Medical instruments and apparatus -- Sterilization. Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Faculty of Health and Social Sciences |
| Pages: | xii, 71 leaves : illustrations (some color) ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Background: Any micro-organisms that come in contact with non-sterile tissue and mucous membranes can potentially cause infection. During procedures, such as intubation or direct laryngoscopy, the laryngoscope handle also may be contaminated by the doctor's gloves. Failure to disinfect the laryngoscope properly, may have caused infection and even death. Objectives: To explore the effectiveness of current practice of laryngoscope handles disinfection at AED, to determine the bacterial agents that can contaminate laryngoscope handles and outline the infection control practices implications of laryngoscope handles contamination. Methods: A total of 32 laryngoscope handle were examined. Two cultures were obtained from each handle - 1 from the site A which is around the junction of the blade and handle and 1 from the site B which is contact point which is the tip of the blade contact an area on lower third of the handle. At each of 3 sampling times: pre-use, immediately following the procedure and after current disinfection. Samples swabbed for bacteriological analysis using standard technique, these including total bacterial count, S. aureus and Group A Streptococcus. Results: Only three out of 32 (9.4%) laryngoscope handle was disinfected immediate after use. In total 17 swabs yielded positive cultures of S. aureus. Among these, three were MRSA. There was only one swab yielded a culture of group A Streptococcus at site B in ready for use. For total bacterial count, there were significant differences between sampling times. For S. aureus count significant differences at ready for use, there were significant differences at site A at pre-use and immediate after use. Conclusion: Contamination of laryngoscope handle may be a potential vector for transmitting bacteria. The findings of this study raise concerns regarding to the risk of cross-infection. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
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| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b27617427.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 1.51 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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