Blood contamination of anesthesia equipment and monitoring equipment.

This study was conducted to determine the extent of blood contamination of anesthesia equipment and monitoring equipment in clinical use in operating rooms. The study employed a catalytic-test method, which is used in forensic medicine, to detect blood contamination of anesthesia equipment and monitoring equipment. Nineteen definable surfaces were sampled in 22 operating rooms. Thirty-three percent of surfaces were contaminated with blood. Contaminated equipment included surfaces that are in continuous contact with patients, e.g., blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeter probes. Visual inspection was not a reliable means of detecting blood contamination. Whether this blood contamination represents an infection risk was not determined. Nevertheless, improved cleaning and disinfection procedures are probably needed. Equipment design needs to focus on reducing the potential for blood contamination and enhancing capability for cleaning and disinfection.