Current Practices of Laryngoscope Blade Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection Postintubation: A Survey of Indian Healthcare Facilities.

BACKGROUND

Reusable laryngoscope blades are exposed to oropharyngeal secretions, blood, and mucosal surfaces during airway procedures. Incomplete reprocessing can make them a preventable source of cross-contamination. This survey assessed current practices related to cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, storage, and monitoring of laryngoscope blades in Indian healthcare facilities.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey was conducted in January 2026 among 97 healthcare professionals involved in airway management or laryngoscope handling. Data were collected using a structured 20-item questionnaire through online forms and direct interviews. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Associations between selected practice-related variables were assessed using the Chi-square test, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Reusable laryngoscopes were reported by 96 respondents (99.0%). A written disinfection protocol was available in 59 facilities (60.8%). High-level disinfection was reported by 23 respondents (23.7%), whereas 20 (20.6%) were unaware of the disinfection level followed at their workplace. Swab and culture-based sterility assurance was practiced by 29 respondents (29.9%), whereas 41 (42.3%) reported no sterility testing. Inadequate postreprocessing storage was reported by 72 respondents (74.3%), and regular audit was absent in 68 facilities (70.1%). Written protocol availability was significantly associated with high-level disinfection practice (P = 0.002). Guideline familiarity was associated with sterility testing (P < 0.001), and professional role was associated with inspection frequency (P = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Significant gaps were observed in laryngoscope blade reprocessing, particularly in high-level disinfection, sterility verification, storage, and audit systems. Written protocols, repeated hands-on training, objective monitoring, and structured preuse inspection can improve compliance and patient safety.