Abstract
Objective. To determine the efficacy of wiping the nasal atomizer tip with 70% isopropanol versus using single-use plastic atomizer tip guards in preventing cross-contamination.
Study Design. Single-center, prospective, partially blinded, alternating double-arm trial.
Setting. Specialty-specific otolaryngology emergency room.
Methods. Thirty-four consecutive patients who presented to an emergency room received nasal anesthetic with a Venturi atomizer. The atomizers for one half of patients were cleaned with an isopropyl alcohol pad immediately after use (group A). The atomizers for the other half were used with a sterile tip cover in place (group B). The effectiveness of 2 different methods in preventing contamination of the atomizer tip was compared.
Results. One of the 17 atomizers from group A was contaminated (5.9%); 15 of the 17 atomizers from group B were contaminated (88.2%). This represents a difference of 82.3%, or a risk ratio of 15:1 against the use of nasal tip guards (P = .000002).
Conclusions. Venturi atomizer tips frequently become contaminated despite the use of a sterile tip cover. This happens at a dramatically decreased rate with the use of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning. Clinical significance of this contamination is uncertain.
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