Mechanical forms of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis have been shown to be effective. One factor that has reduced their widespread acceptance is the relatively high cost. Multi-use would greatly reduce the cost but could increase risks of cross-infection.
We have investigated the bacterial load on boots after a single use and identified many species of bacteria including multi-resistant strains and others implicated in hospital-acquired infection. These could represent a considerable risk during multi-use.
In the second part of the study we have investigated ways of sterilising the boots and have found ethylene oxide to be a low cost and completely effective method of sterilisation.
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