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European Heart Journal 2001 22(5):378-384; doi:10.1053/euhj.2000.2370
Copyright © 2001 by the European Society of Cardiology.
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Risk of infection by reprocessed and resterilized virus-contaminated catheters; an in-vitro study

D.S Luijta, J Schirma,f1, P.H.M Savelkoulb and A Hoekstrac

a Regional Public Health Laboratory, Groningen, The Netherlands
b Department of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
c Biomedical Technology Centre, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Received June 4, 2000; accepted July 12, 2000

Abstract

Aims In spite of increasing reuse of disposable catheters, there are few scientific data on potential viral transmission and infection after reuse. To determine the theoretical risk of virus transmission during reuse of catheters an in vitro study was performed using an RNA virus (echovirus-11) and a DNA virus (adenovirus-2).

Methods and Results After deliberate contamination of the catheters, reprocessing and reuse of the cleaned and glutaraldehyde sterilized catheters was simulated. The presence of residual virus was determined by cell culture and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After the sterilization step, infectious enterovirus was detectable in one (10%) of the samples, whereas two (20%) contained detectable enterovirus RNA. After simulated reuse, enterovirus was cultured from one (10%) of the catheters, but no less than six (60%) of the samples were enterovirus PCR positive and one (10%) contained detectable adenovirus DNA. After sonification of the catheter tips no infectious virus could be detected, but enterovirus RNA was detected in two (20%) and adenovirus DNA in three (30%) of the samples.

Conclusions It has been clearly demonstrated in this in vitro study that, even after rigorous cleaning and sterilization, virus was still present in the catheter. Reuse of catheters, labelled for single-use only, is dangerous and should be prevented.

Key Words: Catheters, reprocessing, resterilization, reuse, virus transmission

f1 Correspondence: Jurjen Schirm, PhD, Regional Public Health Laboratory, van Ketwich Verschuurlaan 92, 9721 SW Groningen, The Netherlands.

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