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dc.contributorFaculty of Health and Social Sciencesen_US
dc.contributor.advisorBoost, Maureen (HTI)-
dc.contributor.advisorCheng, Andy (RS)-
dc.creatorLau, Mei Ying-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/7852-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic University-
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleThe bacterial contamination of laryngoscope handle and the implications of the infection control practice : a pilot study in Hong Kongen_US
dcterms.abstractBackground: 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.en_US
dcterms.extentxii, 71 leaves : illustrations (some color) ; 30 cmen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2013en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Masteren_US
dcterms.educationalLevelM.Sc.en_US
dcterms.LCSHMedical instruments and apparatusen_US
dcterms.LCSHMedical instruments and apparatus -- Sterilization.en_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/7852