• Jay M Bhatt, Ellena M Peterson, and Sunil P Verma.
• University Voice and Swallowing Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at Irvine Medical Center, Irvine, California, USA.
• Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2014 Feb 1; 150 (2): 235-6.

AbstractThe effectiveness of a Cidex-based decontamination protocol was analyzed for its effectiveness in cleaning various components of a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope (FFL), including the handle, eyepiece, and detachable light cable. A random microbiological sampling and aerobic bacterial culture analysis of 6 FFL eyepieces, 6 FFL driver handles, and 5 light cables prior to patient use was performed. Of 17 samples collected, 7 (41%) were contaminated with bacterial organisms. Organisms recovered represented both environmental organisms from skin and oral flora origin. This study demonstrates that potential contaminants may be present on FFL eyepieces and light cables, which are commonly overlooked in the cleaning protocols of a standard otolaryngology clinic.

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