[Microbiological aspects of nosocomial risks of suction bottles].

The suction and collection of more or less contaminated biological fluids or regurgitated matter in reusable glass bottles may be responsible for nosocomial infections. Based on a study conducted in 49 cases, the authors try to demonstrate the microbiological risks in the operating theatre of changing and transport of these bottles and the risks for the environment and the hospital staff in the cleaning of these bottles. The connection to the vacuum system was found to be contaminated in 26.1% of cases, the environment of the waste evacuation and cleaning zone was contaminated in 59.2% of cases and, in 28.6% of cases, the microorganism detected was identical to that in the bottle. All of these factors suggest that a disposable system, although apparently more expensive, ensures a greater degree of safety, avoiding the problems related to transport emptying and elimination of these bottles.