Infection control and hospital epidemiology : the official journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Aug 1993
Prolonged and multipatient use of prefilled disposable oxygen humidifier bottles: safety and cost.
Multipatient use and prolonged use of prefilled disposable oxygen humidifier bottles (Aquapak 301, Respiratory Care, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL) were evaluated by performing microbiologic monitoring and a cost analysis on bottles used for varying numbers of patients and lengths of time. ⋯ Multipatient use and increased duration of use of disposable humidifiers result in cost savings without increasing patient risk. Restricted multipatient use of prefilled disposable oxygen humidifier bottles for a period of one month is a safe and cost-efficient practice.