Retrospective cohort study of anaesthesia machines shows low bacterial contamination can be achieved with surface disinfection

Editor—Checklists for anaesthesia machine decontamination to prevent pathogen transmission include decontamination with surface disinfection and selective use of ultraviolet-C disinfection. 1 Dexter F. Parra M.C. Brown J.R. Loftus R.W. Perioperative COVID-19 defense: an evidence-based approach for optimization of infection control and operating room management. Anesth Analg. 2020; 131: 37-42 Crossref PubMed Scopus (195) Google Scholar ,2 Dexter F. Elhakim M. Loftus R.W. Seering M.S. Epstein R.H. Strategies for daily operating room management of ambulatory surgery centers following resolution of the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. J Clin Anesth. 2020; 64109854 Crossref Scopus (38) Google Scholar Both were used in efficacy and effectiveness trials showing reduced transmission. 3 Loftus R.W. Dexter F. Goodheart M.J. et al. The effect of improving basic preventive measures in the perioperative arena on Staphylococcus aureus transmission and surgical site infections: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2020; 3e201934 Crossref PubMed Scopus (40) Google Scholar ,4 Wall R.T. Datta S. Dexter F. et al. Effectiveness and feasibility of an evidence-based intraoperative infection control program targeting improved basic measures: a post-implementation prospective case-cohort study. J Clin Anesth. 2022; 7711063 Crossref PubMed Scopus (19) Google Scholar We add data on prevalence of complete decontamination of anaesthesia machines using surface disinfection by trained investigators, clinicians, and housekeepers, for the design of future clinical trials and prospective observational studies examining the influence of machine decontamination on pathogen transmission.