Incidence of Positive Culture form Catheter Tip after Endotracheal Tube Suctioning Uning Disposable VS. Sterilized Reusable Gloves

ABSTRACT

Background: The Center for Disease Control Infection of Sringarind Hospital recommended using sterile reusable gloves during tracheal suction to reduce the incidence of infection; however, this method is expensive and requires several steps to make the gloves reusable.Objective: To assess the incidence of positive culture from a catheter tip after endotracheal tube suctioning using disposable gloves (aseptic by not touching the end 6 inches of the catheter tip) vs.  sterile reusable gloves.Study design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.Method: We included 1}502 patients undergoing general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube.  The patients wetre computer-randomized to two groups Group 1 was the control performed with sterile gloves; whereas Group 2 was performed with disposable gloves and an aseptic technique.  Tracheal suctioning was performed before extubation.  The catheter tip was removed (using an aseptic technique) and sent for culturing.Results: There was a significantly (P