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Surgical masks: operative field contamination following visor-to-visor contact
Citation
Cocciolone, RA and Tristram, SG and Hewitt, PM, Surgical masks: operative field contamination following visor-to-visor contact, ANZ Journal of Surgery, 74, (6) pp. 439-441. ISSN 1445-1433 (2004) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1445-1433.2004.03026.x
Abstract
Background: Clashing of surgical visor masks frequently occurs when two surgeons bend over an operative field simultaneously; however, it is unknown whether this results in contamination. The purpose of the present study was to determine the potential for operative field contamination following surgical visor-mask clashes. The nature of bacterial contamination was also assessed. Methods: Thirty sham operative procedures were performed under normal operating conditions for a specified time period. The number of surgical visor mask clashes during each procedure was determined by randomization (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 clashes). All procedures were performed over a standard blood agar plate array. The degree of bacterial contamination was assessed by counting c.f.u. that developed after 24 h of incubation. Bacterial types were also determined. Results: Surgical visor mask clashes resulted in increased contamination of the operative field; however, this was found to be independent of the number of clashes. 95% of pathogens were coagulase negative Staphylococcus species. Other bacteria included Micrococcus species, Bacillus species, Corynebacterium species, various Gram negative bacilli and Staphylococcus aureus (< 1%). Conclusion: Surgical visor mask clashes increase the risk of bacterial contamination of the operative field.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Research Division: | Biomedical and Clinical Sciences |
Research Group: | Medical microbiology |
Research Field: | Medical bacteriology |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Clinical health |
Objective Field: | Treatment of human diseases and conditions |
UTAS Author: | Tristram, SG (Dr Stephen Tristram) |
ID Code: | 30880 |
Year Published: | 2004 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 4 |
Deposited By: | Health Sciences A |
Deposited On: | 2004-08-01 |
Last Modified: | 2005-04-15 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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