Evaluation of microbial growth on single-use vitrectomy probes reprocessed in healthcare practice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-62342012000300010Keywords:
Probe, Vitrectomy, Equipment reuse, Sterilization, Surgical wound infection, EndophthalmitisAbstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial growth on single-use vitrectomy probes reprocessed in healthcare practice. We investigated nine vitrectomy probes that had been reused and reprocessed using different methods. The samples were sectioned, individually, in portions of 3.5 cm, totaling 979 sampling units (extensions, connectors and vitrectomy cutters), which were inoculated in culture medium and incubated at 37ºC for 14 days. The results showed microbial growth on 57 (5.8%) sample units, 25 of which had been sterilized using ethylene oxide, 16 by hydrogen peroxide plasma, and 16 by low-temperature steam and formaldehyde. Seventeen microbial species were identified. The most prevalent were: Micrococcus spp., coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas spp., and Bacillus subtilis. The reuse of single-use vitrectomy probes was shown to be unsafe, therefore this practice is not recommended.Downloads
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Published
2012-06-01
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Original Article
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
Pinto, F. M. G., Araújo, V. G. L., Souza, R. Q. de, Goveia, V. R., Missali, C. C., Luz, R. A. de, & Graziano, K. U. (2012). Evaluation of microbial growth on single-use vitrectomy probes reprocessed in healthcare practice. Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 46(3), 597-603. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-62342012000300010