Worker risk from ultrasonicator aerosolization in medical device reprocessing: a particulate and bio-burden approach

IF 3.9 3区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Journal of Hospital Infection Pub Date : 2025-02-12 DOI:10.1016/j.jhin.2025.01.012

R.O. Anders , R. Tyli , E. Capistran , Y.G. Guardiola , G. Bassi , T. D'Arpino , J.A. Scott , T. Mazzulli

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Reprocessing reusable medical devices and surgical instruments is vital for ensuring safe health care in hospitals. Medical device reprocessing departments (MDRDs) handle the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of these instruments. While previous research has examined bioburden on surfaces and associated patient health risks, there is limited focus on occupational hazards for MDRD workers.

Aim

To investigate the potential bioaerosol exposure and particle concentrations generated by ultrasonic sterilizing water baths within the MDRD at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada.

Methods

Bioaerosol sampling was conducted using Andersen-style samplers for bacterial and fungal cultures. Particle sampling was measured using optical particle samplers.

Results

The majority of bioaerosols were composed of low-risk skin microflora and waterborne bacteria, predominantly Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus spp. However, potentially harmful bacteria such as Citrobacter spp. and Acinetobacter spp. were detected. Fungal genera identified included Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium.

Conclusions

Although the overall aerosol generation from ultrasonic cleaning appeared minimal, this study highlights the importance of appropriate personal protective equipment, and suggests the need for further research on ventilation and additional aerosol sources in MDRDs.

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来源期刊

Journal of Hospital Infection 医学-传染病学

CiteScore

12.70

自引率

5.80%

发文量

271

审稿时长

19 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Hospital Infection is the editorially independent scientific publication of the Healthcare Infection Society. The aim of the Journal is to publish high quality research and information relating to infection prevention and control that is relevant to an international audience. The Journal welcomes submissions that relate to all aspects of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings. This includes submissions that: provide new insight into the epidemiology, surveillance, or prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings; provide new insight into cleaning, disinfection and decontamination; provide new insight into the design of healthcare premises; describe novel aspects of outbreaks of infection; throw light on techniques for effective antimicrobial stewardship; describe novel techniques (laboratory-based or point of care) for the detection of infection or antimicrobial resistance in the healthcare setting, particularly if these can be used to facilitate infection prevention and control; improve understanding of the motivations of safe healthcare behaviour, or describe techniques for achieving behavioural and cultural change; improve understanding of the use of IT systems in infection surveillance and prevention and control.