摘要：Abstract: Reprocessing single-use devices to cut costs is a commonpractice in hospitals around the world. In Brazil, there are few studies ofreprocessing hemodynamic catheters and thus, this study aimed to evaluate theeffectiveness of reprocessing hemodynamic catheters before and after biofilmformation in vitro using a continuous flow model. We used a sterility test andScanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to assess the presence of microorganisms,residue and integrity of a New (NC) and Reprocessed (RC) hemodynamic catheter,before and after in vitro biofilm formation by a clinical isolate of Enterococcusfaecium (strain 155). NC was considered the negative control. The sterilitytest did not show the presence of microorganisms in either catheters used as anegative control (NC and RC). On the other hand, changes in integrity wereobserved by SEM in the RC, with a large number of microcracks and recesses,indicating that this would get worse after reprocessing. After biofilmformation and subsequent sterilization by ethylene oxide, both catheters wereexamined by SEM and RC showed a dense array of exopolysaccharide andsubstantial organic waste material, which was not evident in NC, showingchanges in surface integrity. Ethylene oxide sterilization is very efficient inthe sterilization process but the reprocessed catheters after biofilm formationby strain 155, showed marked surface changes, which increases the adhesion oforganic matter and compromises the cleaning process in reprocessing. Theresults can be used as a parameter for hospitals and companies that reprocesscatheters, to develop protocols for standardized and systematic surveillance inreusing materials recommended for single use to prevent infections.
关键词：Single-use Devices; Catheter-Associated Infections; Sterilization; Residue; Scanning Electron Microscopy
