Elimination of high titre HIV from fibreoptic endoscopes

Article Abstract:

Fears about the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, have led to changes in many hospital procedures. Among these, procedures for the decontamination of equipment used repeatedly in patient tests, such as endoscopes which are used to inspect the digestive tract, have been altered. Specifically, some units have recommended increasing cleaning time to several hours. However, data proving the effectiveness of this cleaning have not been obtained. Another aspect of this problem is that the amount of HIV retained on an endoscope may be too small to be measured by standard laboratory techniques, except for the new polymerase chain reaction. The effectiveness of standard neutral (non-acid, non-basic) detergent in cleaning endoscopes, followed by 2 to 10 minutes of disinfection with glutaraldehyde was examined. Endoscopes were contaminated with 1,000-times the amount of HIV present after use with an AIDS patient. Detergent cleaning reduced the levels of virus on endoscopes by about 10,000-fold, and no virus was detectable following disinfection with glutaraldehyde for two or more minutes. Detergent cleaning plus two minutes of glutaraldehyde effectively decontaminated the endoscopes. The report suggests that detergent plus four minutes of glutaraldehyde should provide a good margin of safety in practice. The use of automated machinery to ensure thorough cleaning and minimize staff exposure to infected material is suggested. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Evaluation, Prevention, Social policy, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Disease transmission, AIDS (Disease), Endoscopes, Decontamination (from gases, chemicals, etc.), Decontamination

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Are you a real power boater? You know you ar one if...

Article Abstract:

Several characteristics of a power boater are identified. These include a boat payment larger than a mortgage payment, a spotless boat engine, discomfort with social gatherings of non-boaters, and spending more than one day at a boat show.

Appreciation, Behavior, Boats and boating, Boating, Boats, Motor sailers

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Montauk, New York

Article Abstract:

Montauk, on Long Island, offers visitors solitude, beautiful ocean views, charter fishing services, whale watching and good seafood. Several excellent hotels and restaurants make this beach community a good vacation spot.

Description and travel, Beaches, New York (State), Montauk, New York

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