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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5
A N E S T H E S I A A L E R T
1
Make disinfection easier. To make it as easy as possible to thoroughly wipe
down anesthesia machines between patients, mount disinfectant wipes on
each machine so that your anesthesia providers can clean surface areas, knobs
and dials.
2
Plan ahead. Try to have all supplies you might use out and on the anesthe-
sia machine before the case starts, and treat the anesthesia machine as a
contaminated area. If you have to go back to the cart during the case, make sure
you remove your gloves and foam your hands.
3
Diligently wear gloves. A lot of breaches occur in this area. Providers are
well aware that they need to wear them, but the gloves often come off for
one reason or another. To the greatest extent possible — and it isn't always
possible — switch to clean gloves every time you deal with a new domain.
4
Beware of the glove box. Most facilities have glove boxes with disposable
gloves available to the anesthesia provider. But unless care is taken, every
time you reach in to get a fresh pair, you may contaminate both the gloves
you're about to put on and the other gloves in the box.
5
Double-glove during airway management. Once the airway
is secure, take the outer pair off.
6
Educate. We regularly go through all kinds of educational modules to
maintain privileges — modules having to do with harassment, fire safety,
and trips and falls — but I've never seen one on the risks of diseases or trans-
mission of pathogens in the workplace. It's been shown that a sophisticated
campaign aimed at maintaining hand hygiene among anesthesia providers
can lead to a reduction of surgical site infections, and maybe even a reduction
in mortality.
— Clarence J. Biddle, CRNA, PhD
KEEP IT CLEAN
6 Hand Hygiene Tips for Anesthetists
