Extended use of disposable pressure transducers. A bacteriologic evaluation
R. L. Luskin, R. A. Weinstein, C. Nathan, W. H. Chamberlin and S. A. Kabins
In a prospective randomized study, contamination rates of disposable
pressure transducers changed every two days (n = 81) were compared with
those changed at four (n = 26) or eight days (n = 50); the mean daily
incidence of contamination was 3% for each group. After four days of use,
the cumulative prevalences of contamination were similar. However, after
eight days, the cumulative prevalence was significantly higher in
transducers used without change (6.9%) than in those changed every two days
(2.9%). Gram-negative bacilli were present in 63% of contaminated
transducers; over half were from the patients' own flora. The only definite
transducer-related bacteremia occurred on a day of initial contamination
and should have been unaffected by the interval of change. Routine use of
disposable transducers can be safely extended to four days, even in a busy
intensive care unit.
