Document 0048
 DOCN  M9550048
 TI    [Prevention of cross contamination, patient to anesthesia apparatus to
       patient, using filters]
 DT    9505
 AU    Cochs J; Casals P; Villalonga R; Vences A; Irujo J; Suarez M; Servicio
       de Anestesiologia y Reanimacion, Ciudad Sanitaria y; Universitaria de
       Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona.
 SO    Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim. 1994 Nov-Dec;41(6):322-7. Unique Identifier :
       AIDSLINE MED/95140922
 AB    Concern for cross infections from patient to patient via apparatus is
       particularly relevant today. There are several ways to prevent patient
       contamination through anesthetic devices. Although there is no clinical
       evidence for using one alternative over another and each hospital
       establishes its own hygienic protocols, we have introduced the
       systematic use of filters with patients undergoing general anesthesia.
       We describe the features of filters available on the market and our
       protocol for their use. The efficacy of a filter depends on whether
       bacteria or viruses are to be controlled. Filters can be classified into
       three groups or generations based on mesh quality: 1) heat and humidity
       exchangers (HHE), with large mesh screens that allow water to pass
       through; 2) bacterial filters (FHHE), with finer mesh that is permeable
       to droplets of water and 3) folded membrane filters (FHHE) that are
       hydrophobic, with very fine mesh that stops water. We describe three
       basic physical tests (passage of water, passage of smoke and increase of
       resistance when applied to the patient) for filters to be classified.
       The ideal filter is hydrophobic and does not increase circuit resistance
       over the amount specified. Four principles are emphasized in the
       protocol: 1) the filter forms a part of the patient, not the apparatus;
       2) proper placement of the filter is between the patient and the
       circuit's Y piece; 3) the main purpose of the filter is to prevent
       contamination of the apparatus, and 4) if a hydrophobic filter is used
       with each patient, the use of a disposable respiratory circuit is not
       called for.
 DE    Adult  Aerosols  Anesthesia, General/*INSTRUMENTATION  Child  Cross
       Infection/*PREVENTION & CONTROL  Disinfection/ECONOMICS/METHODS  English
       Abstract  *Equipment Contamination  *Filtration/INSTRUMENTATION  Gases
       Hepatitis B/PREVENTION & CONTROL/TRANSMISSION  Human  HIV
       Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL/TRANSMISSION  Intubation,
       Intratracheal/INSTRUMENTATION  Saliva/MICROBIOLOGY/VIROLOGY  Smoke
       *Ventilators, Mechanical  Water  JOURNAL ARTICLE  REVIEW  REVIEW,
       TUTORIAL

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).