Decontamination of nasal atomizer tips: alcohol versus guards.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of wiping the nasal atomizer tip with 70% isopropanol versus using single-use plastic atomizer tip guards in preventing cross-contamination.

STUDY

DESIGN

Single-center, prospective, partially blinded, alternating double-arm trial.

SETTING

Specialty-specific otolaryngology emergency room.

METHODS

Thirty-four consecutive patients who presented to an emergency room received nasal anesthetic with a Venturi atomizer. The atomizers for one half of patients were cleaned with an isopropyl alcohol pad immediately after use (group A). The atomizers for the other half were used with a sterile tip cover in place (group B). The effectiveness of 2 different methods in preventing contamination of the atomizer tip was compared.

RESULTS

One of the 17 atomizers from group A was contaminated(5.9%); 15 of the 17 atomizers from group B were contaminated(88.2%). This represents a difference of 82.3%, ora risk ratio of 15:1 against the use of nasal tip guards (P =.000002).

CONCLUSIONS

Venturi atomizer tips frequently become contaminated despite the use of a sterile tip cover. This happens at a dramatically decreased rate with the use of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning. Clinical significance of this contamination is uncertain.