RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Reusing single-use medical supplies offers a capability enhancement during massive casualty incidents when resupply of medical supplies is unavailable in times of national health care crises. This pilot study determined the feasibility of disinfection of endotracheal tubes with commonly used chemical disinfecting agents. METHODS: Endotracheal tubes (ETTs) were subjected to either CaviCide, Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner, Cidex, or saline according to the manufacturer's recommended disinfection contact times. Alterations to the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) integrity by disinfecting agents were determined by volume/pressure measurements within the ETT cuff. To test the disinfection rate, ETTs were inoculated with Staphylococcus Aureus and subjected to experimental disinfection protocol. FINDINGS: There were no significant alterations to ETT tracheal cuff function and mixed results in disinfection among ETTs. ETTs bacterial culture data presented possible contamination among the groups. DISCUSSION: These data support the feasibility of single-use ETT reuse as a last resort while making every attempt and effort to follow established protocols to minimize harm to the patient.
