Evaluation of Bacterial Contamination in Anesthesia Breathing Circuits

Hospital infections are one of the important reasons of mortality and incurred expenses. Therefore, we must control these infections by identifying contamination sources. The aim of this study was the determination of bacterial pollution of corrugated anesthesia sets in surgical rooms.

This study was an analytic-description one performed in training hospitals of Yazd city. Research sample was 440 cases provided from different parts of corrugate after completing the anesthesia period by wet sterile swabs and transferred to culture media. On Thursday, each week, a sample from different parts of tube after sterilizing with cetrimide solution was obtained. Finally, after 24 hours, culture medias were studied for colony growth.

Obtained results indicated that of 440 cases taken samples, 343 cases were without bacterial pollution, 71 cases (19.29%) had bacterial pollution of samples before sterilizing and 26 cases (36.1%) were polluted after tube sterilizing.

Sampling and culturing from used equipment and tools in hospital is one of the important actions for identifying and controlling hospital infections. Obtained results from this study indicated that of 440 cases, there were 97 cases of pollution. Therefore, it is suggested that anti bacterial filters should be installed before Y form piece of tubes in anesthesia machines and disposable corrugated tubes should replace traditional tubes. In addition, it seems necessary that wider investigations should be done.