%0 Journal Article
%T Evaluation of disinfection processes for water heater devices used for extracorporeal life support
%A Nicole Y R Shrimpton
%J Perfusion
%@ 1477-111X
%D 2019
%R 10.1177/0267659118819931
%X The Maquet Heater Unit 35 (HU35) is widely used to maintain patient body temperature during extracorporeal life support. Water is used as a medium for heat transfer though it also provides a medium for the growth of pathogens. Thus, the use of a heating unit presents a risk for transmission of water-borne pathogens in critically ill patients. Recently, a Mycobacterium chimaera outbreak in cardiac surgery has been linked to the production of bioaerosols by heater-cooler devices. Consequently, manufacturers have revised cleaning recommendations, with significant impact on staff, budget and environment. Heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) and non-tuberculous mycobacterium growth were assessed following three disinfection processes over a 16-month period. It was found that water quality was acceptable in HU35s when disinfecting with a lower concentration of Chloramine-T than currently recommended, provided exposure of the device to potential pathogens was minimised by the use of a 0.2£¿¦Ìm water filter
%K extracorporeal life support
%K heating unit
%K disinfection
%K non-tuberculous mycobacterium
%K heterotrophic plate count
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0267659118819931