Infectious diseases and the anaesthetist.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Infectious diseases and the anaesthetist.

Can J Anaesth. 1988 Nov;35(6):655-65. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/89077679
Browne RA; Chernesky MA; Department of Anaesthesia, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster; University, Hamilton, Ontario.

Abstract: The methods of dealing with various items of anaesthetic equipment in order to assure a fresh supply for each patient have been discussed. These consist of using disposable items, steam sterilization, disinfection by both chemical methods and pasteurization and the use of ethylene oxide sterilization. The use of disposable bacterial and viral filtres to protect ventilators and soda lime cannisters is discussed. These can then be sterilized by ethylene oxide at less frequent intervals, i.e., weekly. Protection of the anaesthetists' skin from contact with body fluids by the use of barrier methods are stressed. Methods to avoid penetration of the skin by needlestick and sharp objects are discussed. The increasing number of persons being treated for opportunistic infections makes it likely that anaesthetists will encounter increasing numbers of patients infected with HIV. The more common infections encountered in the operating room in North America have been included, with methods of avoiding possible infection from them. Constant vigilance and the use of universal precautions when caring for all patients is therefore required by the anaesthetist in the operating room in order to avoid contacting infection from patients.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/PREVENTION & CONTROL *Anesthesia Blood Donors Cross Infection/*PREVENTION & CONTROL Equipment Contamination Hepatitis, Viral, Human/DIAGNOSIS/PREVENTION & CONTROL Human Occupational Diseases/ETIOLOGY/PREVENTION & CONTROL Operating Rooms Protozoan Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL Risk Factors Sterilization Virus Diseases/DIAGNOSIS/PREVENTION & CONTROL JOURNAL ARTICLE

890430
M8940655

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1989. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1989. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .