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Re: Air sampling – Reading the results

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Thanks Michael

The WA Operational Directive is somewhat outdated and is currently under review, so perhaps not the best reasonable starting point!

In undertaking the review of the OD, a recent literature review has found very limited evidence since the work done by the HIS Working Group back in 2002 and published in the Journal of Hospital Infection- hence making review of our OD and production of something evidence informed difficult. The most recent work I can find is from one group in NZ in 2005- which was in the HI Journal as a letter to the editor- cant find a fuller reference on this- and they concluded that microbiological sampling was redundant when ventilation testing shows acceptable engineering performance. Loddon Mallee give us a nice long list of why not too air sample in line with CDC recommendations, however supports the practice for the purpose of Commissioning ORs. There is some work by Edmiston (2005) and then 2 papers out of Italy in 2012 but all 3 of these are in relation to sampling in active ORs and the effect microbial air loads have on development of SSIs.

So, I guess still a contentious issue but maybe we just accept that we do it for our own peace of mind and it is what it is a quality assurance exercise to support other more scientific based testing of HVAC systems.

Would greatly appreciate further discussion from others on this issue

Kindest Regards

Rebecca

Rebecca McCann Program Manager
Healthcare Associated Infection Unit (HAIU)
Communicable Disease Control Directorate Department of Health
Grace Vaughan House
227 Stubbs Terrace
SHENTON PARK WA 6008
T:08 9388 4859 M:0439 920 819 F:08 9388 4888
E:rebecca.mccann@health.wa.gov.au

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Rebecca

Oops the WA document I cited is apparently under review, and shouldnt be taken as current best practice.

Apologies.

There is obviously a need for more robust and evidenced guidance on this within Australia.

Cheers
Michael

Michael Wishart
Infection Control Coordinator
Holy Spirit Northside Private Hospital
627 Rode Road, Chermside, Qld 4032
t: (07) 3326 3068 | f: (07) 3607 2226
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Hi Fiona

I have found it very hard to get a definite consensus on this within Australia. This document from Dept of Health in WA is a reasonable starting point for internal discussions in your facility to come to an agreement over what is acceptable.

http://www.health.wa.gov.au/CircularsNew/circular.cfm?Circ_ID12021

Cheers
Michael

Michael Wishart
Infection Control Coordinator
Holy Spirit Northside Private Hospital
627 Rode Road, Chermside, Qld 4032
t: (07) 3326 3068 | f: (07) 3607 2226
e: Michael.Wishart@svha.org.au
w:www.holyspiritnorthside.org.au
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Dear members,

I know that air sampling in a new building is a contentious issue but we are currently undergoing it as part of the commissioning process for new operating theatres and one of the difficulties I face is people asking for the acceptable limit of certain organisms. Aside from fungal organisms I have been unable to find any references to guide me on specific organisms counts.

I would like to hear peoples views on the isolation of skin or environmental flora when doing this sampling how many CFU would be acceptable per air sample ?

Fiona De Sousa
Infection Prevention & Control Coordinator
Sydney Adventist Hospital
Fiona.Desousa@sah.org.au
185 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, NSW, 2076

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