Instrument hygiene knowledge reduces TASS risk

Instrument hygiene education level affects the risk of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS).

The cross-sectional study, performed by Dr Zachary Bodnar et al., John A. Moran Eye Centre, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, included retrospective analysis of surveys reporting TASS cases between June 2007 and March 2012. The analysis also included information from afflicted sites between October 2005 and December 2011. The results from June 2009 to March 2012 were compared to the results collected before June 2009.

A total of 130 questionnaires from 71 sites were included in the investigation. Approximately 69000 surgeries were performed and 1454 cases of TASS were reported.

In all centres there was a 36% reduction in the use of preserved epinephrine or enzymatic detergents. There was a 27% increase in centres that used a deionized or distilled final rinse for the handpieces and a 26% reduction in centres reporting inadequate handpiece flushing volumes.

There was a 21% increase in handling IOLs or instrument tips while wearing gloves, a 47% increase in poor instrument maintenance and a 34% increase in ultrasound bath use without adequate routine cleaning.

The abstract can be found in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.