| Research Abstract |
Nebulizers have been recognized as potential agents of nosocomial respiratory infection. In this investigation, the microbial contamination of nebulizers was analyzed and the effective decontamination methods were explored.
1. Out of 20 in-use hospital nebulizers, eighteen (90%) were contaminated and viable microbes in the medication reservoirs of those nebulizers ranged from 10^1〜10^6 CFU/ml. Glucose nonfermentative Gram-negative bacilli were the predominant organisms isolated.
2. According to the statistical analysis of the methods of handling of the nebulizers, the washing of nebulizers with disinfectants and the cold storage of medication solutions afford simple and effective means for the decontamination of the nebulizers.
3. With respect to the components of the nebulizer, the disinfection of the medication chamber, which generates aerosols, was the most important in order to prevent nosocomial infection. On the other hand, even when corrugated tubes (aerosol tubes) and airfilters were contaminated, no viable organisms were detected in aerosols.
4. No viable organisms were detected in every component of the nebulizers after the disinfection with 0.1% Tego 51, ethanol or 0.1% NaOCl for 15 min at room temperature. Drying was also an effective sterilizing method.
5. The jet nebulizer produces heavier contaminated bacterial aerosols than the ultrasonic nebulizer. The contaminant counts of components of the jet nebulizer were 10^2〜10^3 times higher than those of the ultrasonic nebulizer.
6. The medication cup of the ultrasonic nebulizer can be easily damaged by the ultrasonic action and invaded by the contaminants from the ultrasonic chamber. Therefore, the regular examination of the medication cup is necessary.
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