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Biomedical subjects

C R Bradley

Publications and source records attributed to C R Bradley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

An evaluation of the suitability of the European suspension test to reflect in vitro activity of antiseptics against clinically significant organisms.

The effectiveness of four antiseptics representing soluble phenolics (Dettol), Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC) (Dettol Hospital Concentrate: DHC), mixed QAC/chlorhexidine (Hibicet Hospital Concentrate: HHC) and povidone iodine (Betadine) was assessed using the proposed phase 2 step 1 European Suspension test. The in vitro activity of the antiseptics against two of the proposed challenge strains, i.e. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was compared with that of 14 problematic clinical isolates of bacteria from a range of genera, including some multiple antibiotic resistant strains, and a clinical isolate of Candida albicans. In addition to the 5 min contact time recommended in the European test, a 1 min time was included. All four products, at their recommended use dilutions and a contact time of 5 min, achieved a Microbicidal Effect (ME) log reduction of at least 5 against the majority of organisms. Differences in activity between products were more pronounced and therefore the tests more discriminatory, when the contact time was reduced to 1 min. The clinical strains were not overtly more resistant to antiseptics than the standard test strains, suggesting that the CEN test strains mimic the antiseptic susceptibility of clinical isolates.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗
PubMed1997

Glutaraldehyde-resistant Mycobacterium chelonae from endoscope washer disinfectors.

Glutaraldehyde is used to disinfect flexible and other heat-sensitive endoscopes often with the aid of automated systems. Mycobacterium chelonae is being isolated with increasing frequency from these washer disinfectors and processed endoscopes. This has, on occasions, led to misdiagnosis and iatrogenic infections. Recent reports suggest that disinfecting machines, on a sessional or regular basis, with 2% glutaraldehyde may have selected and therefore encouraged the growth of strains of Myco. chelonae, possibly in biofilm, with decreasing susceptibility to glutaraldehyde. In view of this, the resistance of three strains of Myco. chelonae var. chelonae (the type strain NCTC 946 and two machine isolates) was tested against 2% glutaraldehyde and a wide range of alternative disinfectants. Disinfectants tested were a chlorine releasing agent, sodium dichloroisocyanurate at 1000 ppm and 10,000 ppm av Cl, 0.35% peracetic acid (NuCidex, Johnson & Johnson), 70% industrial methylated spirit (IMS), 1% peroxygen compound ('Virkon', Antec International) and 10% succine dialdehyde ('Gigasept', Sanofi Winthrop). Suspension and carrier tests were carried out in the presence and absence of an organic load. Results showed the type strain, which had not been exposed to the selective pressure of disinfectant usage, to be very sensitive to most disinfectants with the exception of 1% Virkon. The washer disinfector isolates, on the other hand, were extremely resistant to 2% glutaraldehyde and showed greater resistance to 1% Virkon and 1000 ppm NaDCC. Purchasing machines in which the entire fluid pathways, including those for delivering rinse water, are disinfected with an appropriate agent during each cycle are preferred. If this is not possible then sessional cleaning and disinfection at the start of each day and regular maintenance should prevent biofilm formation and contamination with disinfectant-resistant strains of mycobacteria. In addition to machine disinfection, the use of sterile or bacteria-free (filtered < 0.45 microm) water is essential for bronchoscopes and all invasive endoscopes. If there is doubt that the effectiveness of the machine disinfection procedure or water quality, the channels and surfaces of endoscopes may be rinsed with 70% IMS after automated processing.

Disinfectants↗
PubMed1996

Heat and chemical resistance of enterococci.

Recent reports have highlighted the tolerance of vancomycin-resistant strains of enterococci to heat. This study examined the tolerance of vancomycin-resistant and sensitive strains of enterococci and an NCTC type strain to 65, 71 and 80 degrees C, and also to low concentrations of a chlorine-releasing agent, alcohol and glutaraldehyde. Variation in the tolerance to chemicals was observed but there was no correlation between vancomycin resistance and tolerance to chemical disinfectants. The NCTC type strain was killed within the time/temperature parameters set by the Department of Health for thermal washer/disinfectors, i.e. 65 degrees C for 10 min, 71 degrees C for 3 min and 80 degrees C for 1 min. However, the clinical strains showed varying resistance to heat, irrespective of their vancomycin susceptibility. One strain survived 80 degrees C for 3 min. These results showed that clinical isolates can be resistant to commonly used disinfection processes, although the practical significance of these results is debatable.

Alcohols↗
PubMed1995

Endoscope decontamination: automated vs. manual.

Automated endoscope washer disinfectors are widely used for the decontamination of flexible endoscopes. They are more effective than manual techniques and reduce the likelihood of skin contact with irritant disinfectants. Suitable machines are those which effectively clean, disinfect and rinse all channels and external surfaces without damaging the instrument. If glutaraldehyde is used, fumes should be removed or contained to protect endoscopy and processing staff. Machines should also be equipped with a self-disinfect facility and the rinse water should be of a suitable microbiological quality for the instruments processed, i.e. bacteria-free (sterile or filtered) water should be used for bronchoscopes and all invasive endoscopes. The choice of machine and cycle will depend on the following: whether a mobile or fixed unit is required; the type of disinfectant used; instrument throughput; and whether or not it is necessary to process more than one endoscope at a time. Purchasers are advised to request independent test reports which substantiate manufacturers' claims.

Automation↗
PubMed1995

Endoscope decontamination: where do we go from here?

Thorough cleaning and disinfection or sterilization of endoscopes and associated equipment will reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis and post-procedural infection. It will also prevent instrument deterioration and malfunction. With a rapid escalation in demand for endoscopy, particularly that associated with minimally invasive surgery, it is important that we have the processing technology to match the diagnostic and therapeutic value of these instruments without exposing staff and patients to unnecessary risk. Wherever possible staff should purchase heat tolerant endoscopic equipment that is readily accessible for cleaning. Automated processors, e.g. washer disinfectors and ultrasonic cleaners, improve the quality of the decontamination process but machines must have a self-disinfect function to prevent instrument recontamination during processing. Sterile, or filtered bacteria-free, water is essential for bronchoscopes and invasive instruments. Glutaraldehyde is still the most widely used disinfectant, particularly for the heat sensitive flexible endoscopes, but it is irritant and sensitizing and a safer alternative is sought. Peracetic acid is more rapidly efficacious and probably less irritant and, provided it does not damage endoscopes and processing equipment, may prove a suitable alternative. Unfortunately there are no nationally agreed test methods for assessing this and other new endoscope disinfectants and therefore no register of suitable or approved products. There is also no proven safe alternative to ethylene oxide for sterilizing invasive heat labile flexible endoscopes. It is important that, if toxic disinfectants and sterilants are used, staff and patients are suitably protected from exposure. Update training is essential for all processing staff if infection risks are to be minimized and sensitization problems avoided.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1995

Evaluation of the Steris System 1 Peracetic Acid Endoscope Processor.

An automated endoscope sterilizing machine, the Steris System 1 Processor, was tested for bactericidal and sporicidal efficacy. The disinfectant, peracetic acid, was diluted to 0.2% within an enclosed system. The exposure time to the disinfectant was 12 min and the overall cycle time ranged from 25-38 min, mean 29 min. Preliminary suspension tests, with and without yeast or serum, showed a log10 reduction of > 5 with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis in 5 min with 0.2% peracetic acid. After a routine cycle in the machine, endoscopes contaminated with the same organisms showed no growth. Two of 24 spore strips, containing 10(6) B. subtilis showed a small number of survivors (less than 10 per strip). No significant damage to the endoscope was observed although the number of cycles tested was small (i.e. 31). The advantage of the system is that staff are not directly exposed to the agent, but the costs per cycle are higher than glutaraldehyde, since peracetic acid is not renewed. Unlike other automated processors the Steris machine has no cleaning cycle.

Bacillus subtilis↗
PubMed1993

Preliminary study of test methods to assess the virucidal activity of skin disinfectants using poliovirus and bacteriophages.

Two tests for assessing the virucidal activity of antiseptics are proposed. These involve applying either poliovirus (vaccine strain Sabin 1 an) or Escherichia coli bacteriophage (MS2 or K1-5) to the fingertips. Both test viruses are considered safe although poliovirus may be unacceptably tolerant to antiseptics. The use of bacteriophages as test organisms precludes the need for sophisticated recovery systems and can be undertaken readily by any bacteriology laboratory. The virucidal activity of 70%, 80% and 90% ethanol, 7.5% povidone-iodine, and soap and water was assessed using these tests. Thorough cleansing, followed by disinfection with 90% ethanol, was the most effective treatment. Removal of viruses from the gloved hand was also assessed and this was found to be more easily achieved than cleaning and disinfecting the ungloved hand. Wearing gloves protects the hands from viral contamination but changing them after each patient or contact is expensive.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1991

The mechanics of endoscope disinfection.

The decontamination of flexible fibreoptic endoscopes has considerably improved in recent years. This is mainly due to the introduction of instruments with more accessible channels, the use of automated washer disinfectors and a greater awareness of the problems associated with disinfection. Unfortunately the most widely used and effective disinfectant is 2% glutaraldehyde and this is toxic, irritant and sensitizing. With the implementation of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health legislation, strict environmental controls are required to reduce skin contact and vapour inhalation. Alcohol is probably the most suitable alternative disinfectant at present but it is flammable and cannot be used in automated systems. Other agents are either insufficiently effective or corrosive. Autoclavable or heat tolerant rigid endoscopes are now available but flexible endoscopes will not tolerate heat disinfection temperatures.

Disinfection↗
PubMed1990

Bacterial contamination and frequency of changing ventilator circuitry.

A questionnaire sent to 40 intensive care units showed that ventilator circuits were changed every 24 h in 62% and every 48 h in 20% of the units. A similar survey in 40 special-care baby units showed that only 9.7% changed circuits daily and the majority were changed weekly (38.7%) or between patients (38.7%). A prospective study of bacterial contamination of circuits in adult patients showed that when water humidification was used, 28/72 samples from inspiratory and 31/72 from expiratory tubing were contaminated with Gram-negative bacilli. None of 48 sets of tubing was contaminated when a heat-moisture exchanger was used and only one expiratory tube was contaminated in tubing from 45 neonates using a water humidifier. Gram-negative bacilli were isolated from the mouths of 21/36 adults and 6/12 neonates, and also from 6/17 hands of staff after changing circuits. It is suggested that circuits with water humidification may be changed every 48 h in adult patients, and between patients or weekly in neonatal units or between patients if a heat-moisture exchanger is used. Handwashing after removal of a circuit is of major importance in the prevention of spread of infection.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1990

Noninvasive transdermal chemical collection. I. In vitro adsorption characteristics of gel/charcoal matrices.

We characterized in vitro adsorption of representative chemicals in candidate gel/charcoal matrices being investigated for use in noninvasive transdermal chemical collection. Binding properties of three model compounds of widely varying water and lipid solubilities (theophylline, methotrexate, and parathion) were studied in hydrophilic (agarose, or polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl pyrrolidone) and lipophilic (silicone) gel/charcoal compositions. Analysis of adsorption isotherms indicate that agarose is the superior gel selection for hydrophilic compounds such as theophylline and methotrexate (greater than 90% uptake for each), and that a silicone lipogel allows for greatest lipophilic (parathion) adsorption (greater than 95% uptake).

Absorption↗
PubMed1990

Noninvasive transdermal chemical collection. II. In vitro and in vivo skin permeability studies.

In vitro and in vivo skin permeability studies were conducted to investigate properties of several candidate transdermal chemical collection devices (TCDs). The TCD consists of a binding reservoir of activated charcoal suspended in a gel medium which is occlusively placed in direct contact with the skin. Binding of three model compounds (theophylline, methotrexate, and parathion) was studied in hydrophilic (agarose or PVA/PVP) and lipophilic (silicone) gel/carbon compositions. The effects of gel composition, compound hydrophilicity/lipophilicity, and hydration of skin on quantity of transdermally collected chemical and 'apparent' permeability were investigated using a 'fuzzy' rat animal model. In vitro and in vivo apparent permeability coefficients (Kp; cm/h) for amphophilic theophylline (6.95 x 10(-4) and 8.34 x 10(-4), respectively) and hydrophilic methotrexate (3.5 x 10(-3) and 3.2 x 10(-4), respectively) using an agarose aquagel TCD were greater than the corresponding Kp values obtained when silicone lipogel TCDs were employed (0.3 x 10(-4) and 3.2 x 10(-4), respectively, for theophylline; no measurable methotrexate was collected). Occlusive hydration of skin profoundly increased permeability of the hydrophyilic model compound, methotrexate. In vivo Kp values for lipophilic parathion were greater with a silicone TCD (6.7 x 10(-4) than with an agarose TCD (3.8 x 10(-4). We conclude that it is possible to influence transdermal chemical collection through modifications in the gel composition and by hydration of the skin.

Animals↗