Summary
Twenty-four laryngoscope blades were bacteriologically cultured immediately following laryngoscopy and again following cleansing. They were divided into 4 groups according to the cleansing method used:
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Group A Warm water
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Group B Iodophor and detergent
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Group C Isopropyl alcohol
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Group D Autoclave
Autoclaving was the only method which sterilized all the blades. Isopropyl alcohol was the best cold method, but was not 100 per cent effective. Autoclaving the laryngoscope blade after each use is recommended.
Résumé
Sur 24 lames de laryngoscope, nous avons fait des cultures bactériologiques immédiatement après usage de la lame pour laryngoscopie et immédiatement après le lavage de la lame, nous avons fait quatre groupes, selon la technique du lavage:
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Groupe A: Eau chaude
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Groupe B: Iodophor et détergent
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Groupe C: Alcool isopropylique
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Groupe D: Autoclave
La technique à l’autoclave est la seule qui stérilise toutes les lames. Parmi les techniques à froid, l’alcool isopropylique était la meilleure, mais n’était pas efficace à 100 pour cent. Nous recommandons de stériliser à l’autoclave les lames de laryngoscope après chaque usage.
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References
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Thomas, E.T. The sterilization dilemma: where will it end? Clinical Aspects. Anesth. & Analg.47: 657 (1968).
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Roberts, R.B. (Ed.) Infections and sterilization problems. International Anesthesia Clinics. Boston. Little Brown & Co. Vol. 10, No. 2 (1972).
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Roberts, R.B. Cleaning the laryngoscope blade. Canad. Anaesth. Soc. J. 20, 241–244 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03027213
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03027213