The main aim of this study is the estimation of microbial load on tracheostomy tube and subsequent optimization of gamma radiation dose for efficient decontamination of the tube. The microflora of previously EtO sterilized tracheostomy tubes of three different companies was ascertained. The microflora was then identified by morphological analysis of the bacterial colonies followed by Gram staining and biochemical characterization tests. These tests revealed the presence of two different kinds of gram positive bacteria: Bacilus subtilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Three samples of the...

Objective of the study is to check the sterility of nelaton tube and optimize Gamma radiation dose for the elimination of microbial contamination.Medical devices are a reservoir for the embellishment of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite and prions, all of which are a leading cause of Hospital Acquired Infections. The information provided will help to raise the healthcare standards in Pakistan and decrease the institutional costs associated with improperly sterilized nelaton tube.

Cannula is a medical device usually used in hospitals for introducing medicine or draining off fluid from the body. It should be highly sterilized prior to use. Several methods of sterilization are being used for the elimination of microflora from medical devices including cannula. There have been reported many cases of life threatening diseases associated to unsterilization, some of which can have serious consequences. Bearing in mind the complications of unsterilized cannula, commercially available cannulae were collected to determine the bioburden on them. After the identification of...