Durability and disinfection of single-use endotracheal tubes following exposure to commonly available medical disinfecting compounds.

Background: Reusing single-use medical supplies offers a capability enhancement during massive casualty incidents when resupply of medical supplies is unavailable in times of national health care crises. This pilot study determined the feasibility of disinfection of endotracheal tubes with commonly used chemical disinfecting agents.

Methods: Endotracheal tubes (ETTs) were subjected to either CaviCide, Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner, Cidex, or saline according to the manufacturer's recommended disinfection contact times.