INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL INSTRUMENTS FOR TRACHEAL INTUBATION

STATEMENT ON STANDARD PRACTICE FOR INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL INSTRUMENTS FOR TRACHEAL INTUBATION 

Committee of Origin: Committee on Quality Management and Departmental Administration (QMDA(Approved by the ASA House of Delegates on October 20, 2010, and last amended 
on October 28, 2015) 


Statement: All instruments used for intubation of the trachea (endotracheal tubes, laryngeal mask airways (LMAs), laryngoscopes, fiberoptic devices, stylets, forceps, or other airway devices) should be properly cleaned using standard methods for decontamination and high-level disinfection between each patient use and stored in a clean environment. Sterility is not required. Prepackaged endotracheal tubes can be opened, cuffs checked for any leaks, stylets placed for future use, cuff syringes attached, and placed back into the package. Data suggest that storage and subsequent use of such prepared endotracheal tubes is reasonable for up to 48 hours.

 Rationale: The mouth (where such instruments pass on their way to the trachea) is not a sterile environment. However, cleanliness and prevention of contamination from patient to patient is essential and consistent with patient safety.

A focused review of the ASA Closed Claim Database (10,000 cases over 30 years) shows that there were no cases of infection from placement of an endotracheal tube or LMA. Neither were there any claims of infections from dirty instruments for tracheal intubation in this database. 

Popular posts from this blog

Ketamine: The Past, Present, and Potential Future of an Anesthetic Drug

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic drug that has been used in medical settings for decades. However, its effects on the brain have also led to its use as a recreational drug, leading to controversy surrounding its use. Despite its negative associations, recent research has shown promising potential for the drug in the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Read more

Fast track anesthesia approaches

  Fast track anesthesia schemes are multi-modal approaches that aim to reduce the physiological stress response to surgery, enhance recovery, and improve patient outcomes. These schemes typically involve several aspects of perioperative care, including anesthesia management, surgical technique, pain management, fluid management, and early mobilization. Here are some common fast track anesthesia schemes:
Read more