COVID-19 infection in nursing staff: A cohort study.

AIM: This study aims to identify the working conditions of Brazilian nursing professionals and the risk factors for these professionals to become infected by coronavirus disease. BACKGROUND: Understanding the factors that affected nursing professionals during the pandemic can support better nursing management. DESIGN: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional survey study. METHODS: Data collection was carried out between February and March 2022 in Brazil. All nursing professionals registered in the national database received by e-mail the study instrument with the data collection variables: professionals' sociodemographic and comorbid, professional and institutional characteristics, and professionals' health conditions and disease-related aspects for COVID-19. RESULTS: Four thousand eight hundred sixty-two nursing professionals reported a lack of personal protective equipment for patient care, and 4424 were infected by coronavirus disease. The risk factors to become infected were having cardiovascular disease, being under 60 years of age, living in the northern region, using public transportation, working in a hospital, an emergency department or reference institution for COVID-19, living with an infected person and lack of respirators or waterproof aprons. CONCLUSION: Multiple risk factors for infection with SARS-CoV-2 were demonstrated for the nursing professionals during the pandemic, highlighting current and future pandemics factors that are modifiable in a worthwhile time frame to minimize nurses' infection risks, such as inadequate working conditions associated with lack of essential personal protective equipment.

Avaliação do desempenho de detergentes para limpeza: validação de uma proposta / Evaluación del rendimiento de detergentes para limpieza: validación de una propuesta / Performance evaluation of cleaning detergents: a proposal validation

Resumo Objetivo Elaborar e validar uma proposta para avaliação do desempenho de detergentes na limpeza de produtos para saúde. Métodos Foi desenvolvida proposta para avaliar o desempenho de detergentes rotineiramente utilizados em Centros de Material e Esterilização por meio de um estudo experimental utilizando monitores de limpeza e lavadora ultrassônica. Monitores de limpeza foram dispostos na cuba de uma lavadora ultrassônica. O parâmetro adotado para avaliação do desempenho dos detergentes foi a remoção completa da sujidade dos monitores. Foram avaliados resíduos de proteínas de amostras tubulares de aço inoxidável e de policloreto de polivinila, após contato com carga orgânica desafio e limpeza em lavadora ultrassônica. Foram considerados reprovados os testes que apresentavam gradação da coloração azul e aprovados os testes que permaneciam com a coloração marrom, como indicado nas instruções de uso. Todos os testes foram realizados em triplicata ou quintuplicada. Adicionalmente, foram realizados controles positivos. Resultados O uso do teste com tiras de papel alumínio, foil test, mostrou-se de fácil aplicação e capaz de diferenciar a cavitação em diferentes pontos da cuba da lavadora ultrassônica. Os indicadores de limpeza impregnados com resíduos orgânicos e os monitores de proteína utilizados na proposta apresentaram resultados variados, possibilitando diferenciar a eficácia da limpeza para cada detergente utilizado. Portanto, além de disponíveis no mercado, são ferramentas simples que possibilitaram a avaliação dos detergentes. Conclusão A proposta desenvolvida mostrou-se factível e simples e considerou produtos e equipamentos rotineiramente encontrados em Centros de Material e Esterilização.

Resumen Objetivo Elaborar y validar una propuesta para evaluación del rendimiento de detergentes en la limpieza de productos de salud. Métodos Mediante un estudio experimental con el uso de monitores de limpieza y lavadora ultrasónica, se elaboró una propuesta para evaluar el rendimiento de detergentes utilizados habitualmente en centros de material y esterilización. Se colocaron monitores de limpieza en el tanque de una lavadora ultrasónica. El parámetro adoptado para evaluar el rendimiento de los detergentes fue la eliminación completa de la suciedad de los monitores. Se evaluaron residuos de proteínas de muestras tubulares de acero inoxidable y de cloruro de polivinilo, después del contacto con carga orgánica desafío y limpieza en lavadora ultrasónica. Las pruebas que presentaron una gama de coloración azul fueron reprobadas, y las que permanecían con coloración marrón fueron aprobadas, como indicado en las instrucciones de uso. Todas las pruebas fueron realizadas en triplicado o quintuplicado. Adicionalmente se realizaron controles positivos. Resultados El uso de las pruebas con tiras de papel de aluminio, foil test, demostró ser de fácil aplicación y con capacidad para diferenciar la cavitación en diferentes puntos del tanque de la lavadora ultrasónica. Los indicadores de limpieza impregnados de residuos orgánicos y los monitores de proteína utilizados en la propuesta presentaron resultados variados, lo que permitió diferenciar la eficacia de la limpieza en cada detergente usado. Por lo tanto, además de estar disponibles en el mercado, son herramientas simples que permiten la evaluación de los detergentes. Conclusión La propuesta desarrollada demostró ser factible y simple, e incluyó productos y equipos encontrados habitualmente en centros de material y esterilización.

Abstract Objective To develop and validate a proposal to evaluate the performance of cleaning detergents for health products. Methods A proposal was developed to evaluate the performance of detergents routinely used in Materials and Sterilization Center through an experimental study using cleaning monitors and an ultrasonic washer. Cleaning monitors were placed in the ultrasonic washer tub. The parameter adopted to evaluate the performance of detergents was the complete removal of stain from the monitors. Protein residues from tubular stainless steel and polyvinyl chloride samples were evaluated after contact with challenge organic matter and cleaning in an ultrasonic washer. Tests that showed a gradation of blue color were considered to have failed and tests that remained with a brown color were approved, as indicated in instructions for use. All tests were performed in triplicate or quintuplicate. Additionally, positive controls were performed. Results The use of the foil test with strips proved to be easy to apply and capable of differentiating cavitation at different points in the ultrasonic washer tub. The cleaning indicators impregnated with organic residues and the protein monitors used in the proposal presented varied results, making it possible to differentiate the cleaning effectiveness for each detergent used. In addition to their availability on the market, these simple tools made it possible to evaluate the detergents. Conclusion The proposal developed proved to be feasible and simple and considered products and equipment routinely found in Materials and Sterilization Centers.

Factors associated with infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 in Nursing professionals: a cross-sectional study. / Fatores associados à contaminação e internação hospitalar por COVID-19 em profissionais de enfermagem: estudo transversal.

OBJECTIVE: to identify factors associated with infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 in nursing professionals. METHOD: a cross-sectional study carried out with 415 nursing professionals in a hospital specialized in cardiology. The sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, working conditions and issues related to illness due to COVID-19 were evaluated. Chi-Square, Fisher's, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Brunner Munzel tests were used in data analysis, as well as Odds Ratio for hospitalization, in addition to binary logistic regression. RESULTS: the rate of nursing professionals affected by COVID-19 was 44.3% and the factors associated with infection were the number of people living in the same household infected by COVID-19 (OR 36.18; p<0.001) and use of public transportation (OR 2.70; p=0.044). Having severe symptoms (OR 29.75), belonging to the risk group (OR 3.00), having tachypnea (OR 6.48), shortness of breath (OR 5.83), tiredness (OR 4.64), fever (OR 4.41) and/or myalgia (OR 3.00) increased the chances of hospitalization in professionals with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: living in the same household as other people with the disease and using public transportation increased the risk of infection by the new coronavirus. The factors associated with the hospitalization of contaminated professionals were presence of risk factors for the disease, severity and type of the symptoms presented.

Fatores associados à contaminação e internação hospitalar por COVID-19 em profissionais de enfermagem: estudo transversal / Factors associated with infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 in Nursing professionals: a cross-sectional study / Factores asociados al contagio y la hospitalización por COVID-19 en profesionales de enfermería: estudio transversal

Resumo Objetivo: identificar fatores associados à contaminação e internação hospitalar por COVID-19 em profissionais de enfermagem. Método: estudo transversal, realizado em hospital especializado em cardiologia, com 415 profissionais de enfermagem. Foram avaliadas as variáveis sociodemográficas, comorbidades, condições de trabalho e questões relacionadas ao adoecimento pela COVID-19. Na análise dos dados, utilizaram-se os testes Qui-Quadrado, Fisher, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney e Brunner Munzel, a razão de chances para internação hospitalar, além de regressão logística binária. Resultados: a taxa de profissionais de enfermagem acometidos pela COVID-19 foi de 44,3% e os fatores associados à contaminação foram o número de pessoas no mesmo domicílio com COVID-19 (OR 36,18; p<0,001) e o uso de transporte público (OR 2,70; p=0,044). Ter sintomas graves (OR 29,75), pertencer ao grupo de risco (OR 3,00), apresentar taquipneia (OR 6,48), falta de ar (OR 5,83), cansaço (OR 4,64), febre (OR 4,41) e/ou mialgia (OR 3,00) aumentou as chances de internação hospitalar dos profissionais com COVID-19. Conclusão: habitar o mesmo domicílio que outras pessoas com a doença e usar transporte público aumentou o risco de contaminação pelo novo coronavírus. Os fatores associados à internação hospitalar dos profissionais contaminados foram a presença de fatores de risco para doença, a gravidade e o tipo dos sintomas apresentados.

Abstract Objective: to identify factors associated with infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 in nursing professionals. Method: a cross-sectional study carried out with 415 nursing professionals in a hospital specialized in cardiology. The sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, working conditions and issues related to illness due to COVID-19 were evaluated. Chi-Square, Fisher's, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Brunner Munzel tests were used in data analysis, as well as Odds Ratio for hospitalization, in addition to binary logistic regression. Results: the rate of nursing professionals affected by COVID-19 was 44.3% and the factors associated with infection were the number of people living in the same household infected by COVID-19 (OR 36.18; p<0.001) and use of public transportation (OR 2.70; p=0.044). Having severe symptoms (OR 29.75), belonging to the risk group (OR 3.00), having tachypnea (OR 6.48), shortness of breath (OR 5.83), tiredness (OR 4.64), fever (OR 4.41) and/or myalgia (OR 3.00) increased the chances of hospitalization in professionals with COVID-19. Conclusion: living in the same household as other people with the disease and using public transportation increased the risk of infection by the new coronavirus. The factors associated with the hospitalization of contaminated professionals were presence of risk factors for the disease, severity and type of the symptoms presented.

Resumen Objetivo: identificar los factores asociados al contagio y la hospitalización por COVID-19 en los profesionales de enfermería. Método: estudio transversal, realizado en un hospital especializado en cardiología, con 415 profesionales de enfermería. Se evaluaron las variables sociodemográficas, comorbilidades, condiciones de trabajo y preguntas relacionadas con la enfermedad por COVID-19. En el análisis de los datos, se utilizaron las pruebas de Chi-Cuadrado, Fisher, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney y Brunner Munzel, la razón de chance para la hospitalización, además de la regresión logística binaria. Resultados: la tasa de profesionales de enfermería afectados por el COVID-19 fue del 44,3% y los factores asociados al contagio fueron el número de personas en una misma vivienda con COVID-19 (OR 36,18; p<0,001) y el uso de transporte público (OR 2,70; p=0,044). Presentar síntomas graves (OR 29,75), pertenecer al grupo de riesgo (OR 3,00), tener taquipnea (OR 6,48), dificultad para respirar (OR 5,83), cansancio (OR 4,64), fiebre (OR 4,41) y/o mialgia (OR 3,00) aumentó las chances de hospitalización de los profesionales con COVID-19. Conclusión: vivir en el mismo domicilio que otras personas que tienen la enfermedad y utilizar el transporte público aumentó el riesgo de contagio por el nuevo coronavirus. Los factores asociados a la hospitalización de los profesionales contagiados fueron la presencia de factores de riesgo para enfermarse, la gravedad y el tipo de síntomas presentados.

Impact of negative pressure system on microbiological air quality in a Central Sterile Supply Department.

OBJECTIVE: Guidelines recommend that the cleaning area in a Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) maintain a negative pressure of the environmental air, but how much this system can impact the contamination of the air by bioaerosols in the area is not known. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of negative pressure on CSSD by evaluating the microbiological air quality of this sector. METHODS: Microbiological air samples were collected in two CSSD in the same hospital: one with and one without a negative air pressure system. Outdoor air samples were collected as a comparative control. Andersen six-stage air sampler was used to obtain the microbiological air samples. RESULTS: The concentration of bioaerosols in the CSSD without negative pressure was 273.15 and 206.71 CFU/m3 , while in the CSSD with negative pressure the concentration of bioaerosols was 116.96 CFU/m3 and 131.10 CFU/m3 . The number of isolated colonies in the negative pressure CSSD was significantly lower (P = .01541). CONCLUSION: The findings showed that the negative pressure system in the CSSD cleaning area contributed to the quantitative reduction in bioaerosols. However, the concentration of bioaerosols was lower than that established in the guideline for indoor air quality of many countries. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that CSSDs which do not have a negative pressure system in their cleaning area offer occupational risk.

The Effect of Brush Motion and Rinsing When Manually Cleaning Cannulated Medical Devices.

Cleaning cannulated medical devices can be challenging for perioperative and sterile processing department personnel. We performed a laboratory experimental study to evaluate differences in cleaning effectiveness using either a back-and-forth or helical spinning brushing motion and the effect of rinsing the bristles at each reintroduction of the brush in the lumen. We also tested the lumen cleanliness after high-pressure water cleansing without brushing. We inspected the devices to determine whether visible soil remained, and we measured the amount of residual organic matter using adenosine triphosphate testing to determine cleaning method effectiveness. The results showed that rinsing the brush during cleaning decreased the amount of organic material that remained in the lumen. A helical spinning motion with brush rinsing at each reintroduction of the brush may be more effective than back-and-forth brushing with rinsing, but additional testing with a larger sample size is required to determine whether this result is replicable.

False positive results of Bowie and Dick type test used for hospital steam sterilizer with slower come-up ramps: A case study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the standardized B&D type test for hospital steam sterilizer is correctly indicating cycle failures in slower come-up ramps cycles. METHODS: Two commercially available B&D type test were challenged in a quality control sterilizer. A common failure was simulated in triplicate cycles, using a standardized cycle configuration, and then compared to triplicate cycles of a common cycle configuration. Tests procedures were conducted according to B&D manufacturer test standard and results were compared to standardized endpoint specifications. RESULTS: We found that B&D type tests are only capable of detecting the presence of non-condensable gases if the sterilization equipment is adjusted to meet all the cycle requirements of the test. False positive results were obtained with come-up ramp time of 3 min. Correct results were only obtained with come-up ramp of 1.7-1.9 min. CONCLUSIONS: Until the ISO 17665 and AAMI ST-79 standards are revised, equipment qualification experts should observe come-up time duration criterion for B&D type test cycles according to ISO 11140-4. Sterile Processing Department professionals must add the come-up ramp criterion to cycle evaluation before clearing the equipment for routine use. This will allow B&D correct performance, reducing the infection risk from unsterilized medical device.

AVALIAÇÃO DA CONTAMINAÇÃO MICROBIANA EM FITAS E RESINAS IDENTIFICADORAS DE INSTRUMENTAL CIRÚRGICO / Assessment of microbial contamination in surgical instrument identication tapes and resins / Evaluación de la contaminación microbiana en cintas y resinas identificadoras de instrumental quirúrgico

Objetivo: Avaliar a esterilidade de fitas coloridas e resinas utilizadas como identificadores em instrumentos cirúrgicos. Método: Foi realizado um estudo experimental, laboratorial, que utilizou uma amostra de 140 instrumentos cirúrgicos diversos, de aço inoxidável, identificados com fita ou resina, doados voluntariamente por Centros de Material e Esterilização para a presente investigação. As amostras foram inoculadas diretamente em trypticase soy broth (TSB) e em tioglicolato de sódio e incubadas por 14 dias. Resultados: Foi observado crescimento positivo em três amostras de fita e nenhum crescimento foi observado nas amostras de resina. Conclusão: Marcadores de instrumental do tipo fita albergaram microrganismos nos instrumentais avaliados, possivelmente protegidos por biofilme

Objective: To assess the sterility of colored tapes and resins used to identify surgical instruments. Method: We conducted an experimental laboratory study, which used a sample of 140 different stainless-steel surgical instruments, identified with tape or resin, voluntarily donated by Central Sterile Services Department to this research. The samples were inoculated directly into trypticase soy broth (TSB) and sodium thioglycolate and incubated for 14 days. Results: We found positive growth in three tape samples and none in resin samples. Conclusion: Identification tapes harbored microorganisms in the instruments assessed, possibly protected by biofilm

Objetivo: evaluar la esterilidad de las cintas de colores y las resinas utilizadas para identificar los instrumentos quirúrgicos. Método: Realizamos un estudio de laboratorio experimental, que utilizó una muestra de 140 instrumentos quirúrgicos de diferentes aceros inoxidable, identificados con cinta o resina, donados voluntariamente por el Departamento Central de Servicios Estériles para esta investigación. Las muestras se inocularon directamente en caldo de cultivo de soja tripticasa (TSB) y tioglicolato de sodio y se incubaron durante 14 días. Resultados: Encontramos un crecimiento positivo en tres muestras de cinta y ninguna en muestras de resina. Conclusión: las cintas de identificación albergaban microorganismos en los instrumentos evaluados, posiblemente protegidos por biofilm

Manual and Automated Cleaning Are Equally Effective for the Removal of Organic Contaminants From Laparoscopic Instruments.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of manual and automated methods for cleaning laparoscopic instruments. DESIGN Experimental laboratory study. METHODS We evaluated 4 methods of cleaning laparoscopic instruments: (1) manual-only cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water; (2) manual cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water, followed by ultrasonic cleaning without rinsing; (3) manual cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water followed by ultrasonic cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water; and (4) manual cleaning and rinsing with potable tap water, followed by ultrasonic cleaning and rinsing: first with potable tap water and then with sterile distilled water. Organic residues of protein, hemoglobin, and carbohydrates were evaluated using spectrophotometry. RESULTS The various cleaning methods tested did not result in statistically significant differences (P>.05) in the levels of investigated organic residues. CONCLUSIONS All cleaning and rinsing methods tested were found to be effective in reducing the levels of organic residues on laparoscopic instruments. Thus, there is no advantage gained by supplementing manual-only cleaning with automated ultrasonic cleaning, nor was there a difference between rinsing with potable tap versus sterile distilled water. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:58-63.

The practice of disinfection of high-speed handpieces with 70% w/v alcohol: An evaluation.

A high-speed handpiece is used in several dental procedures and the official recommendation for safe decontamination consists of rinsing with water, washing with detergent, mechanical friction, and sterilization; however, many professionals only apply 70% w/v alcohol without also cleaning the tool between patients. We performed an analysis of high-speed handpieces reprocessed only with 70% w/v alcohol and found that the methods used in clinical practice are not safe.

The impact of the use of different types of gloves and bare hands for preparation of clean surgical instruments.

Objectives: to determine if there are differences on the safety of the preparation of clean surgical instruments using different types of gloves and bare hands and evaluate the microbiological load of these preparations without gloves. Method: laboratory procedure with a pragmatic approach, in which the samples were handled with different types of gloves and bare hands. In addition, cytotoxicity assays were carried out by means of the agar diffusion method. Further samples were subjected to microbiological analysis after being handled without gloves. Results: none of the samples showed cytotoxic effect. All microbiological cultures showed growth of microorganisms, but no microorganism has been recovered after autoclaving. Conclusion: there were no differences in the cytotoxic responses regarding the use of different types of gloves and bare hands in the handling of clean surgical instruments, which could entail iatrogenic risk. It is noteworthy that the use of gloves involves increase in the costs of process and waste generation, and the potential allergenic risk to latex.

The impact of the use of different types of gloves and bare hands for preparation of clean surgical instruments / O impacto do uso de diferentes tipos de luvas e das mãos nuas no preparo do instrumental cirúrgico limpo / El impacto del uso de diferentes tipos de guantes y de las manos desnudas en la preparación del instrumental quirúrgico limpio

ABSTRACT Objectives: to determine if there are differences on the safety of the preparation of clean surgical instruments using different types of gloves and bare hands and evaluate the microbiological load of these preparations without gloves. Method: laboratory procedure with a pragmatic approach, in which the samples were handled with different types of gloves and bare hands. In addition, cytotoxicity assays were carried out by means of the agar diffusion method. Further samples were subjected to microbiological analysis after being handled without gloves. Results: none of the samples showed cytotoxic effect. All microbiological cultures showed growth of microorganisms, but no microorganism has been recovered after autoclaving. Conclusion: there were no differences in the cytotoxic responses regarding the use of different types of gloves and bare hands in the handling of clean surgical instruments, which could entail iatrogenic risk. It is noteworthy that the use of gloves involves increase in the costs of process and waste generation, and the potential allergenic risk to latex.

RESUMO Objetivos: determinar se existe diferenças na segurança do preparo de instrumentais cirúrgicos relacionada ao uso de distintos tipos de luvas e das mãos nuas no preparo, e avaliar a carga microbiológica destes preparados sem luvas. Método: experimento laboratorial com abordagem pragmática, onde amostras foram manipuladas com diferentes tipos de luvas e com as mãos nuas, elaborado teste de citotoxicidade por meio da difusão em ágar. Outras Amostras sofreram análise microbiológica após serem manipuladas sem luvas. Resultados: nenhuma das amostras apresentou efeito citotóxico. Todas as culturas microbiológicas apresentaram crescimento de microrganismos, embora nenhum microrganismo tenha sido recuperado após a autoclavação. Conclusão: não houve diferenças nas respostas citotóxicas relacionadas ao uso de diferentes tipos de luvas e das mãos nuas na manipulação do instrumental cirúrgico limpo que sinalizasse risco de iatrogenia. Ressalta-se que o uso de luvas implica em aumento dos custos do processo e da geração de resíduos, além do potencial risco alergênico ao látex.

RESUMEN Objetivos: determinar si existen diferencias en la seguridad de la preparación del instrumental quirúrgico relacionadas con el uso de diferentes tipos de guantes y de las manos desnudas y evaluar la carga microbiológica de estos preparados sin guantes. Método: experimento de laboratorio con enfoque pragmático, en el que las muestras fueron manejadas con diferentes tipos de guantes y las manos desnudas. Además, un ensayo de citotoxicidad se llevó a cabo mediante el método de difusión en agar. Otras muestras fueron sometidas a análisis microbiológico después de haber sido manipuladas sin guantes. Resultados: ninguna de las muestras presentó efecto citotóxico. Todos los cultivos microbiológicos mostraron crecimiento de microorganismos, pero ningún microorganismo ha sido recuperado después de la esterilización en autoclave. Conclusión: no hubo diferencias en las respuestas citotóxicas con respecto al uso de diferentes tipos de guantes y de las manos desnudas en el manejo del instrumental quirúrgico limpio, lo que podría conllevar riesgo de yatrogenia. Es de destacar que el uso de guantes implica un aumento de los costos del proceso y la generación de residuos, además del potencial riesgo alergénico al látex.

O impacto do uso de diferentes tipos de luvas e das mãos nuas na inspeção e preparo do instrumento cirúrgico limpo / The impact of the use of different kinds of gloves and bare hands when handling surgical instruments

Introdução: A inspeção e o acondicionamento dos instrumentais cirúrgicos limpos em caixas e bandejas, implicam na manipulação desses produtos. Na prática, é possível observar grande descompasso entre o cuidado dispensado a essa etapa, quando comparado ao rigor exigido para remoção completa de contaminantes por meio da limpeza. A falta de consenso quanto ao uso de luvas nessa etapa do processo chama a atenção e não se sabe se esse detalhe repercute na qualidade final do material quanto à segurança para o paciente cirúrgico. Objetivos: Determinar se há diferenças na resposta citotóxica relacionada ao uso de distintos tipos de luvas e das mãos nuas na inspeção e preparo do instrumental cirúrgico limpo e avaliar a carga microbiológica de instrumentais cirúrgicos preparados sem luvas e sua repercussão na esterilização. Método: Esta pesquisa realizou um experimento laboratorial com abordagem pragmática, utilizando cânulas de oftalmologia que foram manipuladas com diferentes tipos de luvas e com as mãos nuas. Posteriormente, o teste de citotoxicidade foi realizado por meio da difusão em ágar. Pinças anatômicas também fizeram parte da amostra para a análise exploratória microbiológica, após serem manipuladas sem luvas, e posteriormente, submetidas à avaliação de sua esterilidade, após autoclavação. Resultados: Nenhuma das amostras de cânulas de oftalmologia manipuladas por diferentes tipos de luvas e por mãos nuas apresentou efeito citotóxico. Todas as culturas microbiológicas das pinças anatômicas manipuladas sem luvas apresentaram crescimento de microrganismos aeróbios e anaeróbios, embora nenhum microrganismo tenha sido recuperado após a autoclavação. Conclusão: Não houve evidências de diferenças de resposta citotóxica relacionada ao uso de diferentes tipos de luvas e das mãos nuas na manipulação do instrumental cirúrgico limpo que sinalizasse risco de iatrogenia. Ressalta-se que o uso de luvas implica aumento dos custos do processo e na geração de resíduos, além do potencial risco alergênico ao látex. Esta pesquisa teve como relevância subsidiar a elaboração de protocolos para a etapa de preparo de instrumentais cirúrgicos limpos.

Introduction: The aim of reprocessing surgical instruments is to provide instruments that are clean, in good working condition and ultimately sterile thus ensuring patient safety. During instrument there is no agreement about the necessity for glove use. Therefore, there is little reason for employees to wear gloves to protect themselves from possible residual contaminants on cleaned instruments that had previously been used during clean or sterile surgery. On the other hand, the use of the gloves to handle surgical instruments during preparation increases medical waste, increases medical costs and could increase the prevalence of glove allergies in staff. Aim: In this study we investigated the risk posed to patients from staff wearing different types of gloves or no gloves to prepare surgical kits. Method: Five cleaned ophtalmic cannulas were handled using different kinds of gloves and with bare hands, package and steam sterilized. An in vitro cytotoxicity test was conducted, using the agar diffusion test. Microbiological tests were conducted as well, in samples handled with bare hands. Results: All test samples showed the same mild reactivity (grade 2) indicating that handling instruments with gloves or bare hands did not leave any residual toxic products on the instrument surface. Conclusion: We found no difference in the iatrogenic risk to patients of either increased toxicity or increased risk of microbial contamination if surgical instruments are prepared with or without gloves. However, the use of gloves has some inherent disadvantages, such as the risk of latex sensitization of the workers and increased medical costs due to purchase and waste disposal.

Comparison of hand hygiene antimicrobial efficacy: Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil versus triclosan / Comparação da eficácia antimicrobiana na higienização das mãos: óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia versus / Comparación de la eficacia antimicrobiana en la higienización de las manos: aceite esencial de Melaleuca alternifolia versus triclosan

OBJECTIVE: this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hand hygiene performed with two different soap formulations: 0.3% Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil versus 0.5% triclosan, and to compare them with two reference hygiene procedures: the official methodology procedure (soft soap) versus the draft version of the procedure (soft soap + propan-2-ol). METHOD: using the European EN 1499 method, logarithmic reduction factors were determined for the number of colony forming units of Escherichia coli K12 before and after hand hygiene of 15 volunteer subjects, and compared using the one-tailed Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: referring to the soft soap, there was no difference between the performance of soap with 0.3% M. alternifolia and soap containing 0.5% triclosan. The soft soap + propan-2-ol proved to be more effective than the other hand hygiene procedures. CONCLUSION: studies to verify the therapeutic efficacy of essential oil in hand hygiene can improve adherence to this practice. .

OBJETIVOS: os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a eficácia da higienização das mãos, realizada com duas formulações diferentes de sabonetes: óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia a 0,3% versus triclosan a 0,5%, e compará-las com duas higienizações de referência: procedimento da metodologia oficial (soft soap) versus procedimento da versão draft (soft soap+propan-2-ol). MÉTODO: utilizando-se a metodologia europeia EN 1499, foram determinados fatores de redução logarítmica do número de unidades formadoras de colônia de Escherichia coli K12, antes e após a higiene das mãos, de 15 sujeitos voluntários e comparados pelo teste de Wilcoxon unicaudal. RESULTADOS: tomando como referência o soft soap, não houve diferença entre o desempenho do sabonete com M. alternifolia a 0,3% ou sabonete contendo triclosan a 0,5%. O soft soap+propan-2-ol demonstrou ser mais eficaz em relação aos demais procedimentos de higienização das mãos. CONCLUSÃO: estudos que verifiquem a eficácia terapêutica de óleo essencial na higienização das mãos podem melhorar a adesão a essa prática. .

OBJETIVOS: este estudio objetivó evaluar la eficacia de la higienización de las manos realizada con dos fórmulas diferentes de jabones: aceite esencial de Melaleuca alternifolia al 0,3% versus triclosan al 0,5%, y compararlas con dos higienizaciones de referencia: procedimiento de la metodología oficial (soft soap) versus procedimiento de la versión draft (soft soap + propan-2-ol). MÉTODO: utilizando la metodología europea EN 1499, fueron determinados factores de reducción logarítmica del número de unidades formadoras de colonia de Escherichia coli K12 antes y después de la higiene de las manos de 15 sujetos voluntarios y comparados por el test de Wilcoxon de una sola cola. RESULTADOS: Tomando como referencia el soft soap, no hubo diferencia entre el desempeño del jabón con Melaleuca alternifolia al 0,3% o jabón conteniendo triclosan al 0,5%. El soft soap + propan-2-ol se demostró más eficaz en relación a los demás procedimientos de higienización de las manos. CONCLUSIÓN: estudios que verifiquen la eficacia terapéutica de aceite esencial en la higienización de las manos pueden mejorar la adhesión a esa práctica. .

Effectiveness of disinfection with alcohol 70% (w/v) of contaminated surfaces not previously cleaned.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the disinfectant effectiveness of alcohol 70% (w/v) using friction, without previous cleaning, on work surfaces, as a concurrent disinfecting procedure in Health Services. METHOD: An experimental, randomized and single-blinded laboratory study was undertaken. The samples were enamelled surfaces, intentionally contaminated with Serratia marcescens microorganisms ATCC 14756 106 CFU/mL with 10% of human saliva added, and were submitted to the procedure of disinfection WITHOUT previous cleaning. The results were compared to disinfection preceded by cleaning. RESULTS: There was a reduction of six logarithms of the initial microbial population, equal in the groups WITH and WITHOUT previous cleaning (p=0.440) and a residual microbial load ≤ 102 CFU. CONCLUSION: The research demonstrated the acceptability of the practice evaluated, bringing an important response to the area of health, in particular to Nursing, which most undertakes procedures of concurrent cleaning /disinfecting of these work surfaces.

Effectiveness of disinfection with alcohol 70% (w/v) of contaminated surfaces not previously cleaned / Eficácia da desinfecção com álcool 70% (p/v) de superfícies contaminadas sem limpeza prévia / Eficacia de la desinfección con alcohol al 70% (p/v) de superficies contaminadas sin limpieza previa

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the disinfectant effectiveness of alcohol 70% (w/v) using friction, without previous cleaning, on work surfaces, as a concurrent disinfecting procedure in Health Services. METHOD: An experimental, randomized and single-blinded laboratory study was undertaken. The samples were enamelled surfaces, intentionally contaminated with Serratia marcescens microorganisms ATCC 14756 106 CFU/mL with 10% of human saliva added, and were submitted to the procedure of disinfection WITHOUT previous cleaning. The results were compared to disinfection preceded by cleaning. RESULTS: There was a reduction of six logarithms of the initial microbial population, equal in the groups WITH and WITHOUT previous cleaning (p=0.440) and a residual microbial load ≤ 102 CFU. CONCLUSION: The research demonstrated the acceptability of the practice evaluated, bringing an important response to the area of health, in particular to Nursing, which most undertakes procedures of concurrent cleaning /disinfecting of these work surfaces. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficácia desinfetante do álcool 70% (p/v) sob fricção, sem limpeza prévia, nas superfícies de trabalho, como procedimento de desinfecção concorrente em Serviços de Saúde. MÉTODO: foi desenvolvido estudo experimental laboratorial, randomizado e unicegado. As amostras foram constituídas de superfícies esmaltadas, intencionalmente contaminadas com microrganismos Serratia marcescens ATCC 14756 106 Unidades Formadoras de Colônias/mL, acrescidos de 10% de saliva humana, e submetidas ao procedimento de desinfecção sem limpeza prévia. Os resultados foram comparados à desinfecção precedida da limpeza. RESULTADOS: houve redução de seis logaritmos da população microbiana inicial, igualmente nos grupos com e sem limpeza prévia (p=0,440) e uma carga microbiana residual ≤ 102 Unidades Formadoras de Colônias. CONCLUSÃO: a pesquisa demonstrou a aceitabilidade da prática avaliada, trazendo importante resposta para a área da saúde, especialmente à enfermagem, que mais executa os procedimentos de limpeza/desinfecção concorrentes dessas superfícies de trabalho. .

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia desinfectante de alcohol al 70% (p/v) por fricción, sin limpieza previa, en las superficies de trabajo, como procedimiento de desinfección cotidiana o de rutina en Servicios de Salud. MÉTODO: Fue desarrollado un estudio experimental de laboratorio, aleatorio y uni-ciego. Las muestras fueron obtenidas de superficies esmaltadas, intencionalmente contaminadas con microorganismos Serratia marcescens ATCC 14756 106 UFC/mL acrecido con 10% de saliva humana, sometidas al procedimiento de desinfección SIN limpieza previa. Los resultados fueron comparados a la desinfección después de limpieza. RESULTADOS: Hubo una reducción de seis logaritmos de la población microbiana inicial, igualmente en los grupos COM y SIN limpieza previa (p=0,440) y una carga microbiana residual ≤ 102 UFC. CONCLUSIÓN: La investigación demostró que es aceptable la práctica evaluada ofreciendo así una importante respuesta para el área de la salud, especialmente para la Enfermería, que es la que más ejecuta procedimientos de limpieza/desinfección cotidiana o de rutina de esas superficies de trabajo. .

Comparison of hand hygiene antimicrobial efficacy: Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil versus triclosan.

OBJECTIVE: this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hand hygiene performed with two different soap formulations: 0.3% Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil versus 0.5% triclosan, and to compare them with two reference hygiene procedures: the official methodology procedure (soft soap) versus the draft version of the procedure (soft soap + propan-2-ol). METHOD: using the European EN 1499 method, logarithmic reduction factors were determined for the number of colony forming units of Escherichia coli K12 before and after hand hygiene of 15 volunteer subjects, and compared using the one-tailed Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: referring to the soft soap, there was no difference between the performance of soap with 0.3% M. alternifolia and soap containing 0.5% triclosan. The soft soap + propan-2-ol proved to be more effective than the other hand hygiene procedures. CONCLUSION: studies to verify the therapeutic efficacy of essential oil in hand hygiene can improve adherence to this practice.

[Temperature and humidity in the storage area of sterile materials: a literature review]. / Temperatura e umidade no armazenamento de materiais autoclavados: revisão integrativa.

The recommendations for temperature (T°) and relative humidity (RU) for the storage of sterilized materials in Sterilization Central Supply (SCS) vary according to different sources, and are not based on theoretical frameworks or experiments. The practice shows difficulties in controlling these parameters, leading to doubts regarding the maintenance of the sterility of these materials. This article proposed, through a literature review, to identify and analyze the recommendations for T° and RU for the sterile storage area. We did not find any literature that justifies the referred recommendations. Seven articles were included which analyzed the variables T° and RU in the storage area as factors that could affect the sterility of the materials, and showed contradictory results regarding these factors' interference in maintaining the sterility of the materials.