Are Intra-operative Forced Air Warming Devices a Possible Source for Contamination During Hand Surgery?

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-30-2023

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Background Forced air warming (FAW) devices are routinely utilized in operating rooms for patient temperature control. However, there have been some controversy and conflicting evidence on whether they are a possible source of surgical site infections (SSIs) and contamination. Methods A total of 144 petri dishes were randomized to either a control or experimental group (72 in each group). Each trial consisted of six petri dishes in three locations (floor, table, and operative limb). Two dishes at each location were closed sequentially at one hour, two hours, and three hours. Two control and two experimental trials were performed in two separate operating suites with two different FAW devices. The petri dishes were then analyzed for growth for 48 hours. Two culture swabs from each FAW device hose were obtained and analyzed. Results None of the culture swabs analyzed showed any growth on blood or chocolate agar culture media. There was no significant difference in bacterial colony-forming units per cubic meter (CFU/m

Volume

15

Issue

9

First Page

e46287

DOI

10.7759/cureus.46287

ISSN

2168-8184

PubMed ID

37915875

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