In-use effect of electrolysed water on transcutaneous oxygen sensors

Reusable clinical equipment should be decontaminated between patients in order to reduce risk of pathogen transmission. Manufacturers are obliged to offer advice regarding decontamination but occasionally insufficient guidance is provided. Tissue oxygen sensors are reusable, costly and vulnerable to disinfectants. This pilot study describes an in-use protocol using neutral electrolysed water aimed at eliminating infection risk during transcutaneous oxygen monitoring of diabetic feet. Sensor components were screened for microbial contamination before, during, and after monitoring healthy and diabetic volunteers. Exposure to electrolysed water removed original skin commensals and alleviated the risk of transmitting microbial flora without affecting test results. The product is non-toxic, inexpensive and may be useful for decontaminating a wide range of sensitive clinical equipment.