Use of condoms as blade covers during laryngoscopy, a method to reduce possible cross infection among patients

SummaryObjectivesLaryngoscope blades are in close contact with mucous membranes and can possibly contaminated with virulent or readily transmissible organisms. As laryngoscopy is often required during endotracheal intubation, proper cleaning and sterilization of the laryngoscope blade is crucial to prevent cross-contamination among patients.MethodsWe tested the effectiveness of latex condom using as a laryngoscope blade cover during endotracheal intubation. Both control (no condom) and study group blades were rinsed with sterile saline after intubation. The rinse was sent for bacteria culture, and appearance of bacterial colonization was counted as positive. A water leak test (WLT) was performed on used condoms to verify their integrity.ResultsThere were total 162 laryngoscopes studied with 83 (51.2%) scopes in the study group and 79 (48.8%) in the control group. Rate of positive bacterial culture were 13.3% and 88.6% in the study and control group, respectively. Although WLT (+) rate of 41% was found in the study group, a high negative culture rate (71.6%) was also noted among the WLT (+) group.ConclusionsCondom when using as a blade cover during laryngoscopy is a simple, inexpansive and effective way in reducing cross contamination among patients.