Prevalence of Visible and Occult Blood on Airway Management Equipment Used Outside the Operating Room

Abstract

Abstract : Unintentional transmission of blood-borne pathogens to patients, self, and co-workers is an inherent, but preventable hazard to those who provide anesthesia services. Anesthesia providers, their equipment, and monitors located within the operating room have often been shown to be contaminated with visible or occult blood in addition to potential pathogens. The potential to spread certain blood-borne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B & C virus' (HBV, HCV) is a major concern. The purpose of this study was to determine how effective current procedures for cleaning, disinfection, and handling of airway management equipment (AME) stored in emergency crash carts, airway management carts, and airway management bags, located outside the operating room, are for removing blood. An additional purpose was to compare these data with previous studies on such equipment used within the operating room. A descriptive survey was conducted on AME located outside the operating room on seven separate units within a large military medical facility. AME was inspected for visible blood and then tested for occult blood utilizing a modified phenolphthalein test. This study found a 3% incidence of visible blood and an overall prevalence of occult blood to be 17%. These findings are consistent with similar studies that looked at the AME used within the operating room. These data identify lack of compliance of established OSHA and EPA standards regarding high-level disinfection. Improperly cleaned AME continues to be used when performing lifesaving procedures, potentially exposing health care providers and their patients to life threatening infectious diseases.