gms | German Medical Science

Background: Due to the lack of validated guidelines on reprocessing and proper use of endotracheal tubes made of plastics, the theoretically possible reuse of tracheal tubes is not common in clinical practice.

The goal of this study was the examination of selected cleaning methods for intraindividual reuse considering the reduction of microbes, economical aspects and material deterioration.

Methods: Endotracheal tubes of different types and manufacturers were contaminated under controlled conditions with defined suspensions of selected pathogenic germs and reprocessed using the following cleaning methods:

1.

manual cleaning using brushes and rinsing with tap water

2.

combination of manual and chemical cleaning using commercially available disinfectants

3.

automated cleaning using a dishwasher

4.

cleaning using an ultrasound cleaning device without adding chemical cleaners

5.

enzymatic cleaning using a commercially aquired cleaner

Results: Under controlled laboratory conditions the necessary reduction of 10³ germs was achieved by all methods tested. However, different reprocessing methods showed differences in reliability, costs, hands-on-time and material deterioration. Manual cleaning could achieve a reliable reduction of microbes only in combination with disinfectants. Ultrasound- and enzymatic cleaning showed sufficient germs reduction in a comparable short period of time. The dishwasher reached a very good and reliable reduction of germs, but with longer processing time and increased stress of material.

Conclusion: In summary, intraindividual reuse of endotracheal tubes made of plastic is possible. The cleaning methods tested in this study differ with regard to costs, expenditure of time, availability, waste management and endangerment of staff. These factor have to be taken into consideration depending on clinical needs.