Is Alcohol Swabbing Sufficient to Clean Otoscopes in Hospitals?

Ku, Cheol Hyo; Lee, Young Sub; Seo, Young Joon; Bong, Jeong Pyo

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
An otoscope is a basic instrument used by otorhinolaryngologists. An inappropriately sterilized otoscope has been reported to be a possible bacterial vector for infection. In this regard, we decided to investigate contaminated otoscopes for possible bacterial contamination and evaluate the efficacy of the otoscope disinfection methods. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We randomly drew 22 otoscope cones from university hospitals and 10 from private hospitals. Cones were divided into three groups accordingly to their sterilization methods: group 1 was wiped with 70% isopropyl alcohol, group 2 was soaked for 20 min in 70% isopropyl alcohol, and group 3 was soaked in CIDEX solution. The samples were cultured twice, first before the disinfection process and then after the disinfection process. Otoscopes were cleaned for a week by employing these techniques.
RESULTS
Most of the pre-sterilized otoscopes (20/22) were obtained from the hospitals which demonstrated contamination with microorganisms. Staphylococcus was the most common bacteria found (16/22). After a week of cleansing, no bacteria were seen in group 1 (0%, 0/8), whereas group 2 (14.3%, 1/7), and group 3 (28.6%, 2/7) still showed remaining microorganisms. The three methods were significantly effective on sterilizing microorganisms.
CONCLUSION
An otoscope can be a vector for spreading infection. We found that disinfection by alcohol-swabbing alone is sufficient for sterilizing otoscope cones. Clinically, this information may be useful to otorhinolaryngologists. However, further studies are required to establish the most appropriate disinfection protocol to prevent infection from microorganisms.