What are the most common causes of infections and from where
What % are nasal carriers
21.6% of US population are nasal carriers - have a 3-9.6 fold increased risk of SSIs
What is a surgical site infection
Does a positive swab equate an SSI
A positive culture may just indicate colonisation. If bacteria per gram of tissue >10^5 then this is more likely infection
Define clean, clean contaminated, and dirty wound
Patient factors that increase risk of infection
What antiseptic agents are there
Alcohols
Chlorhexidine gluconae
Povidone iodine
PCMX (not used)
60-95% Alcohol as an antiseptic
Chlorhexidine gluconate - onset, spectrum, activity, drawbacks
Povidone-iodine onset, spectrum, activity, drawbacks
PCMX
Parachlorometaxylenol - PCMX
Can you combine anti-septic solutions
- Chloraprep - 2% chlorhex in 70% isopropyl alcohol
Which anti-septic is better
What is the typical protocol for hand washing for derm procedures
Is there anything that can be done the day before a procedure to reduce infection?
What is the aim of surgical site preparation?
aim is to lower the resident bacterial count as much as possible and limit rebound growth with minimal skin irritation
Tell me about antiseptics and their use around the eye
Tell me about environmental cleaning of the procedural room and good practices
What is the definition of sterilisation
chemical or physical process that completely destroys or removes all forms of viable microorganisms, including spores, from an object
What are the different ways to sterilise?
Autoclave (steam under pressure) Heated chemical vapour Dry heat Gas sterilization Chemical immersion
Tell me about steam under pressure (autoclave) sterilization
most efficient, economical and easy to monitor. Generates pressures of 2 pascals and temp of 121 degs, and maintains that for 15-30 minutes. Good for liquids, glass, metal instruments, paper, cotton. Not good for plastics or oil. Limitation: repeated exposure to high humidity may dull sharp cutting surfaces (particularly high grade carbon steel edges of reusable hair transplant punches)
Tell me about heated chemical vapour sterilization
low-humidity method so better for sharp instruments. Doesn’t require drying, and shorter heat-up time. This method uses alcohol and formaldehyde, so you need protective gear, adequate ventilation and safety monitoring
Tell me about dry heat sterilisation
prolonged exposure to 121-204 degs, and is humidity free. Good for glass, oils and sharp instruments. Risk of burns, so need protective equipment
Tell me about gas sterilisation
With ethylene oxide or formaldehyde, good for heat sensitive and moisture sensitive. These are toxic and known carcinogens. Need really strict monitoring as they’re highly toxic. Rarely done outside of hospital settings.