Instrumentbordets sterilitet
InstrumentbordKontaminationOperationssalInfektionspreventionHygienOperationssjuksköterskaInstrument tableContaminationOperating roomHygieneInfection preventionSurgical nurse
Background: Postoperative infections are a serious patient safety problem and affects about 3 % of all patients undergoing surgery. The consequences are prolonged hospital stays, high social costs, increased use of antibiotics and impaired quality of life for the patient. It has been shown that postoperative infections may be caused by contamination already in the operating room. Today we know that there is growth of microorganisms on the instrument table´s top, but there is a research gap about the instrument table's edges.Aim: To examine if the sterile drape on the instrument table´s edges are sterile after finished surgery.Method: Contact plates are printed on strategically selected areas on the sterile drapes top and edges. In the pilot study, a total of 51 cultures were taken at the end of three operations which lasted over three hours.Results: Growth on the top surface and the edges of the sterile drape were detected. The most frequent bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci, followed by difteroid rods and bacillus. The results show a negative correlation between operative time and CFU (Colony forming units).Discussion: This study has indicated that the sterile drape´s edges and the top is contaminated. This may constitute a potential source of surgical site infections.