The Effectiveness Of Disinfecting Wipes On The Mechanical Ventilator Surfaces: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Cross transmission via skin contact is the main route for common outbreak of health care–associated infection. Previous study by Wan et al has demonstrated the 75% alcohol could be effectively decreased detection rates of Staphylococcus aureus on ventilator system surfaces. However, there was no report of the effectiveness of disinfection wipe (DW) on ventilator surface. An experimental study evaluates the effectiveness of DW and 75% alcohol in killing bacteria on ventilator surfaces. Method: Six patients with pneumonia who received mechanical ventilation were randomly assigned into 3 study groups (DW, 75% alcohol, and control). Surface swab sampling was conducted on ventilator surface of monitor and Y-piece for detection of bacterial contamination. In the experiment group, swabs were sampled at 30 minutes after each disinfection cleaning with Virusolve®+ or 75% alcohol in the midday for consecutive 5 days. In the control group, swabs were sampled in the midday for consecutive 5 days. Results: In control group, the colony-forming unit of total bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus were growing since day 1. There were no multidrug-resistant organisms was found. It seems like disinfection wipe could provide the higher degree of disinfection (Fig. 1). Conclusion: This a small sample size study. However, it provides some helpful information. We could observe the trend that disinfection wipe is more effective than alcohol and control group. Further randomized control trial should be conducted. Monitor of ventilator and Y-piece are frequently touched by healthcare workers. The most important is healthcare workers should keep their hands clean.