Several elements of anesthesia practice are problematic for infection prevention, including anesthesia machines, anesthesia carts and provider-prepared drugs and IV infusion bag, according to an article on the Infectious Disease Advisor website.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Guidelines Committee has issued a guidance document to aid facilities in their review of anesthesia operating room policies.
The statement recommended that hand hygiene be performed according to the World Health Organization "My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene" approach and that it be performed before all aseptic tasks, at the minimum.
Recommendations for environmental disinfection included that standard direct laryngoscope or video-laryngoscope reusable handles and blades undergo high-level disinfection, at the minimum, or sterilization prior to use.
Why Cyber Readiness Is the New Standard of Care
Smarter, Faster, Safer: The Rise of AI in Healthcare Security Technologies
The WHO and UNICEF Release New Global Hand Hygiene Guidelines
Swatting Calls, Hoax Threats Have Real Consequences for Healthcare
Next Level Announces Expansion of Conroe, Texas Clinic