Home cleaning-disinfection procedure for tracheal suction catheters.

The cost effectiveness of home care for pediatric tracheostomy patients has become a concern. One major cost component of this care is the tracheal suction catheter. This study was designed to assess the microbiologic effectiveness of a practical cleaning-disinfection procedure, consisting of hydrogen peroxide, 100 degrees C soapy water and 100 degrees C rinse water, which might permit reuse of tracheal suction catheters in the home setting. The procedure was found to be highly effective, completely eliminating bacterial growth from more than 90% of catheters seeded with Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the laboratory. Further, studies with catheters used for suctioning patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit confirmed the eradication of all bacterial organisms.