Decontamination of Nasal Atomizer Tips

Abstract

Objective. To determine the efficacy of wiping the nasal atomizer tip with 70% isopropanol versus using single-use plastic atomizer tip guards in preventing cross-contamination. Study Design. Single-center, prospective, partially blinded, alternating double-arm trial. Setting. Specialty-specific otolaryngology emergency room. Methods. Thirty-four consecutive patients who presented to an emergency room received nasal anesthetic with a Venturi atomizer. The atomizers for one half of patients were cleaned with an isopropyl alcohol pad immediately after use (group A). The atomizers for the other half were used with a sterile tip cover in place (group B). The effectiveness of 2 different methods in preventing contamination of the atomizer tip was compared. Results. One of the 17 atomizers from group A was contaminated (5.9%); 15 of the 17 atomizers from group B were contaminated (88.2%). This represents a difference of 82.3%, or a risk ratio of 15:1 against the use of nasal tip guards ( P = .000002). Conclusions. Venturi atomizer tips frequently become contaminated despite the use of a sterile tip cover. This happens at a dramatically decreased rate with the use of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning. Clinical significance of this contamination is uncertain.