Infection control in anaesthesia in regional, tertiary and central hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Part 2: Equipment contamination

Abstract

AbstractObjectives: Contaminated anaesthetic equipment has been implicated in the nosocomial transmission of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of blood (occult or visible) and/or visible organic material contamination of anaesthetic equipment deemed to be ready for use in theatres in regional, tertiary and central hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.Design: All hospitals that were classified as regional, tertiary and central hospitals on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health website were visited (n = 15). Laryngoscope blades and handles, Magill's forceps, nasopharyngeal temperature probes and suction bowls were inspected for visible blood and/or organic matter. Those items that were not visibly contaminated were further tested for occult blood using the blood detector in urinalysis reagent strips.Setting and subjects: All hospitals that were classified as regional, tertiary and central hospitals on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health website were visited (n = 15).Results: The per...