The potential transmission of disease by anaesthetic and ventilator breathing circuits has resulted in the widespread use of filters. Convincing scientific evidence of their complete efficacy is lacking particularly in regard to viruses. In the past, practical difficulties precluded the use of new or autoclavable equipment for successive patients, particularly if ventilators were required. These have been overcome by the development of disposable and autoclavable carbon dioxide absorbers and breathing circuits. Disposable equipment is more expensive than filters but autoclavable circuits and absorbers are of comparable cost or cheaper.
CefaiC, RichardsJ, GouldFK, McPeakeP.An outbreak of Acinetobacter respiratory tract infection resulting from incomplete disinfection of ventilatory equipment. J Hosp Infect1990; 15:177–182.
4.
GallagherJ, StrangewaysJEM, Allt-GrahamJ.Contamination control in long-term ventilation. Anaesthesia1987; 42:476–481.
5.
The Australian Society of Anaesthetists Policy Document, Anaesthesia and HIV, and Anaesthesia and Hepatitis B & C, September 1994. Revised April 1995, p. 36, Section 3.3.4: Breathing Systems and Airway Devices.
6.
The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.Policy on Infection Control in Anaesthesia. March 1995, Section 3.2: Anaesthetic Apparatus.
7.
Health and Community Services, Victoria.Infection Control Guidelines for Anaesthesia1995.
8.
Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2496:1995.Breathing attachments for anaesthetic purposes for human use.
9.
Australian Standard AS 4187–1994.Code of practice for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of associated environments in health care facilities.
