Discussion on disinfection method of oxygen equipments

Objective To investigate bacteriology of different parts of oxygen equipments sterilized by different methods and to strengthen the management of Oxygen equipments disinfection. Methods 300 samples before disinfection from humidifiers, central oxygen supply holes and oxygen therapy orifices of oxygen therapy devices connections in four endemic areas were analyzed. Then they were sterilized by 500 mg/L chlorinated disinfectant, 0.5% peroxyacetic acid or 0. 2% iodophor and the best method of disinfection were explored. Results The positive rate of bacterial culture of all samples before disinfection was 100%, mean colonies of bottles of prewet were more than 30000 cfu/ml, and those of oxygen hole centers were more than 280 000 cfu/ml, and those of oxygen tubes were more than 10 000 cfu/ml. All of them reached the standard after disinfection. Significant difference showed among these three methods ( P < 0. 05 ). Conclusions Oxygen therapy connection orifices and humidifiers of pollution were very serious, three kinds of disinfection methods were able to achieve a high level disinfection, but chlorine disinfectants received best results. Key words: Oxygen equipment;  Method of disinfection;  Management