nasal oxygen cannulae and infection control

[John Ferguson]

Dear All

There is no literature that I can find concerning protocols or colonisation of these devices.
They frequently fall on the floor or worse and just get reused etc.

Has anyone studied them or implemented a routine replacement interval for indiv patients using them for prolonged periods?
Are there any published standards or guidelines to refer to?
I presume they get heavily colonised with patient and env flora and that biofilms are formed etc.
We have a local inventor who has designed a retraction cover for the prongs that will protect them when they fall off or are taken off, hence the interest.

On a related topic, FYI – I recently posted on our developing world blog an advisory about room temperature bubble through devices that many mistakenly believe humidify inspired gases. I’ve observed this as an infection risk in many hospitals overseas, including neonatal units. http://idmicnepal.net/2015/05/05/room-temperature-bubble-through-water-chambers-for-patient-oxygen-supply-are-an-infection-hazard-and-do-not-provide-significant-humidification/

Kind regards
John

Dr John Ferguson MBBS DTM&H FRACP FRCPA
Director, Infection Prevention Service | Hunter New England Health
Microbiologist | Hunter Area Pathology, Pathology North, NSW Pathology
Infectious Diseases Physician | Immunology and Infectious Diseases Unit
John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1, Newcastle Mail Centre, NSW 2310, Australia
Tel 61 2 49214444 | Fax 61 2 49214440 | Mobile +61428 885573 (Speed Dial 67607) | Tw @mdjkf

Follow http://www.aimed.net.au, a new HNE Health/Pathology North discussion site for continuously updated important information about antibiotics and their use.
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