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The microbiological and sustainability effects of washing anaesthesia breathing circuits less frequently
journal contribution
posted on 2014-01-01, 00:00 authored by F McGain, C Algie, J O’Toole, F Lim, Mohammadreza MohebbiMohammadreza Mohebbi, D Story, K LederIn the presence of single-use airway filters, we quantified anaesthetic circuit aerobic microbial contamination rates when changed every 24 h, 48 h and 7 days. Microbiological samples were taken from the interior of 305 anaesthetic breathing circuits over a 15-month period (3197 operations). There was no significant difference in the proportion of contaminated circuits when changed every 24 h (57/105 (54%, 95% CI 45–64%)) compared with 48 h (43/100 (43%, 95% CI 33–53%, p = 0.12)) and up to 7 days (46/100 (46%, 95% CI 36–56%, p = 0.26)). Median bacterial counts were not increased at 48 h or 7 days provided circuits were routinely emptied of condensate. Annual savings for one hospital (six operating theatres) were $AU 5219 (£3079, €3654, $US 4846) and a 57% decrease in anaesthesia circuit steriliser loads associated with a yearly saving of 2760 kWh of electricity and 48 000 l of water. Our findings suggest that extended circuit use from 24 h up to 7 days does not significantly increase bacterial contamination, and is associated with labour, energy, water and financial savings.
History
Journal
AnaesthesiaVolume
69Issue
4Pagination
337 - 342Publisher
Wiley-BlackwellLocation
Chichester, EnglandPublisher DOI
ISSN
0003-2409Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2014, Wiley-BlackwellUsage metrics
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