Effect of repeated tracheostomy tube reprocessing on biofilm formation

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine the effect of repeated reprocessing of pediatric tracheostomy tubes (TTs) on biofilm formation. Study Design In vitro microbiological study. Methods Pediatric, uncuffed, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) TTs from two different manufacturers (Tracoe Mini and Shiley) were reprocessed mechanically with household detergent and soaked in sodium hypochlorite (bleach). Two TTs of each brand were reprocessed 0 (control), 10, or 20 times. Twenty 2-mm coupons were then obtained from each TT, immersed in human mucus, and cultured with either Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilm formation was evaluated with bacterial counts. Results Bacterial counts of S. aureus for both brands were significantly higher on the TTs that were reprocessed 20 times compared to those that were not reprocessed (Tracoe: P =.040, Shiley: P