Efficacy of specific aseptic precautions for preventing propofol-related infections: analysis by a quality-assurance programme using the explicit outcome method.

ABSTRACT

Specific aseptic precautions have been recommended for preventing infectious complications of propofol because its lipid base can support bacterial growth if contaminated. To study whether the precautions used at our institution prevent propofol-related infections, we retrospectively analysed the data covering 1 January, 1995 until 30 June, 1996 held in our quality-assurance database. The database contains prospectively collected, detailed and standardized information of each patient's risk factors, anaesthetic and surgical data, and postoperative outcome. Surgical patients who had received propofol for anaesthesia did not have a higher incidence of postoperative infection, thus demonstrating the efficacy of our aseptic precautions.