Enzymatic Soap Solution Not Enough to Disinfect MRSA-Contaminated Laryngoscopes

An isolated 5-minute soak in enzymatic soap solution may not completely disinfect flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopes, according to research published in the Archives of Otolaryngology.

 



For this study, flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopes were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The laryngoscopes then underwent disinfection with the following protocols:

  • A 20-, 15-, 10-, and 5-minute soak in ortho-phthalaldehyde with or without presoaking in an enzymatic soap solution for 5 minutes
  • An isolated 5-minute soak in an enzymatic soap solution
  • A 30-second wipe with antibacterial soap and water
  • A 30-second wipe with isopropyl alcohol
  • A 30-second wipe with antibacterial soap, followed by a 30-second scrub with isopropyl alcohol
  • A 30-second wipe with germicidal cloth, accompanied by previous rinsing with 30 seconds of running tap water

The researchers found all the interventions, with the exception of the 5-minute soak in enzymatic soap, completely disinfected the laryngoscopes.

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