Extent and practicalities of filter use in anaesthetic breathing circuits and attitudes towards their use: a postal survey of UK hospitals

Abstract

SummaryA postal survey of 120 UK hospitals was conducted to assess the current use of filters in anaesthetic breathing systems and consultant anaesthetists' opinion of their value; 76% of the questionnaires were returned complete. The survey showed that 77.2% of anaesthetic departments use a new filter for every case, a variety of different filter types being used. A connector distal to the filter was used in 78.3% of patients, providing a possible route for cross infection. Anaesthetists rated the prevention of bacterial infection and gross contamination as being higher priorities than the prevention of viral infection. Of those surveyed, 66.3% believed filters were worthwhile whereas only 35.9% thought they were cost effective. Only 34.8% of anaesthetists believed that the supposed extra efficiency of pleated hydrophobic membrane filters over electrostatic filters merited their extra cost.

Narratives of professional regulation and patient safety: The case of medical devices in anaesthetics

“…Our approach has facilitated an understanding of how policy attempts to regulate the healthcare professions to ensure patient safety, are located within a wider system of social practice, specifically professional hierarchy and interdependence (McDonald et al 2006). Atkinson et al 1999, Frosh 1999, Axon et al 2001, Heeg et al 2001, Collignon et al 2006) and, more generally, ongoing patient safety reforms worldwide, including the National Health Service (England & Wales) (Currie et al 2008), the regulation of SUDs has received increased attention, especially with the emerging evidence of inappropriate re-use (Patients Association 2000. This has created a major challenge for policymakers to implement more effective mechanisms for directing and controlling the use of SUDs.…”

Measuring the filtration performance of breathing system filters using sodium chloride particles*

“…A standard test method is required for breathing system filters to enable an objective comparison to be made between filters supplied by different manufacturers [12]. The test method specified in the draft European standard for breathing system filters [13] is now based on the test published by NIOSH [14].…”

Use of filters in anaesthesia: Is it warranted?

“…However, this risk can be reduced by placing the filter above the level of the patient and the breathing system, so that any liquid flows away from the filter. [5]…”