Reduction in intraoperative bacterial contamination of peripheral intravenous tubing through the use of a novel device.

Background: Hand hygiene is a vital intervention to reduce health-care associated infections, but compliance remains low. The authors hypothesized that improvements in intraoperative hand hygiene compliance would reduce transmission of bacteria to surgical patients and reduce the incidence of postsurgical healthcare-associated infections.

Methods: The authors performed a controlled before-and-after study over 2 consecutive months.

Transmission of pathogenic bacterial organisms in the anesthesia work area.

Background: The current prevalence of hospital-acquired infections and evolving amplification of bacterial resistance are major public health concerns. A heightened awareness of intraoperative transmission of potentially pathogenic bacterial organisms may lead to implementation of effective preventative measures.

Methods: Sixty-one operative suites were randomly selected for analysis.