Viability and Distribution of Bacteria After Passage Through a Circle Anaesthetic System

Abstract

We have assessed in vitro the viability of eight species of micro-organism suspended as aerosols and passed through a soda-lime absorber rebreathing system. As had been predicted, the soda-lime exerted a potent cidal effect on non-sporing organisms, all of which were rendered non-viable. One percent of the spore bearing organism, Bacillus subtilis, was still viable after 30 min contact. Although Bacillus subtilis is an organism of low pathogenicity, spores may be more resistant to the alkaline medium of the soda-lime. The micro-organisms were observed to lodge in all components of the breathing system, with the greatest concentration being recovered from the corrugated tubing. We recommend that disposable components of the circle breathing system should be changed, and the non-disposable parts sterilized or disinfected, daily. Soda-lime cannisters should be sterilized or disinfected when changing the soda-lime.

Contaminação do aparelho de anestesia por agentes patógenos

“…Similar to Murphy et al 13 , that observed contamination in several sites of the respiratory circuit of the anesthesia equipment, in the present study contamination was also observed. in the study conducted on the viability of bacteria after passing through the circular circuit of the anesthesia equipment, they recommended recommended the change of disposable parts and sterilization of all other parts of the circuit.…”

“…this causes accumulation of liquid throughout the respiratory circuit, therefore creating a proper environment for the growth of microorganisms not only in the corrugated tubes but also in other places increasing the possibility of crossed-contamination 6-8, [11][12][13] .…”

Anesthesia breathing circuits protected by the DAR Barrierbac S® breathing filter have a low bacterial contamination rate

“…[1][2][3][4] Indeed microorganisms have been isolated in almost every part of the anesthesia breathing system. 5,6 Thus the current recommendations of both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) state that sterile anesthesia breathing material should be used for every patient. 7,8 According to their recommendations, single-use sterile anesthesia breathing circuits should be used for every patient or, if reusable breathing circuits are used, they must be sterilized or submitted to a high-level disinfection procedure between each patient.…”

An investigation of the bacterial contamination of small animal breathing systems during routine use

“…Anaesthetic breathing systems deliver anaesthetic agents and dry carrier gases to the patient and take expired gases away from the patient. They are usually made of corrugated semi-disposable plastic tubing, which makes them prone to the retention of micro-organisms (Murphy et al 1991). If pathogenic bacteria can survive in anaesthesia breathing systems, and if they can be eluted in the fresh gas flow, then the potential for cross-contamination exists (Nielsen et al 1980;Langevin et al 1999).…”

“…Sterilization is desirable for anaesthetic systems, but not easily possible; decontamination and highlevel disinfection is acceptable (Dorsch & Dorsch 1998). Efficient disinfection of anaesthesia circuitry is difficult and time consuming because of the air trapped in the corrugations (George 1975;Murphy et al 1991). The use of disposable breathing systems or specific bacterial filters for every patient has therefore been recommended (Knoblanche 1996).…”