Infection Control in Anaesthesia

This is a consensus document produced by expert members of a Working Party established by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI). It updates and replaces previous guidance published in 2002. (1) A named consultant in each department of anaesthesia should liaise with Trust Infection Control Teams and Occupational Health Departments to ensure that relevant specialist standards are established and monitored in all areas of anaesthetic practice. (2) Precautions against the transmission of infection between patient and anaesthetist or between patients should be a routine part of anaesthetic practice. In particular, anaesthetists must ensure that hand hygiene becomes an indispensable part of their clinical culture. (3) Anaesthetists must comply with local theatre infection control policies including the safe use and disposal of sharps. (4) Anaesthetic equipment is a potential vector for transmission of disease. Policies should be documented to ensure that nationally recommended decontamination practices are followed and audited for all reusable anaesthetic equipment. (5) Single use equipment should be utilised where appropriate but a sterile supplies department (SSD) should process reusable items. (6) An effective, new bacterial ⁄ viral breathing circuit filter should be used for every patient and a local policy developed for the re-use of breathing circuits in line with manufacturer's instructions. The AAGBI recommends that anaesthetic departments should consider changing anaesthetic circuits on a daily basis in line with daily cleaning protocols. (7) Appropriate infection control precautions should be established for each anaesthetic procedure, to include maximal barrier precautions for the insertion of central venous catheters, spinal and epidural procedures and any invasive procedures in high risk patients. The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) published guidelines in 2002 on problems relating to infection control in anaesthetic practice. In addition to AAGBI Officers and Council members, representation included the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA). This is an updated version of that guidance document. Healthcare organisations now have a legal responsibility to implement changes to reduce healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). The Health Act 2006 provided the Healthcare Commission with statutory powers to enforce compliance with the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infection (The Code). The Code provides a framework for NHS Bodies to plan and implement structures and systems aimed at prevention of HCAIs. The Code sets out criteria that mandate NHS bodies, including Acute Trusts, and …