Respiratory therapy equipment

Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are used for disinfection or sterilization of instruments such as fiberoptic endoscopes, respiratory therapy equipment, hemodialyzers, and dental handpieces that cannot withstand exposure to the high temperatures of steam sterilization. They are not corrosive for metal, plastic, or rubber. These agents have a broad spectrum of activity against microorganisms and viruses. They act by alkylation of chemical groups in proteins and nucleic acids. Failures of disinfection or steri... 

Draft European Nebuliser Standard. prEN13544 13544-1. Respiratory Therapy Equipment Part 1 Nebulizing Systems (available through all national European Standards bodies, e.g., in UK available through BSI ref BS 99/5662734DC). 

Appropriate cleaning and sterilization or disinfection of all reusable respiratory therapy equipment is essential to reduce transmission of infectious agents. Resuscitation bags, spirometers, temperature sensors, and oxygen analyzers, if not properly sterilized or if transferred between patients, are also potential sources of cross infection (1,2,158,159). In summary, respiratory therapy devices should not be transferred between patients and proper cleaning and sterilization is strongly recommended. 

The mechanisms responsible for postoperative pneumonia are similar to the etiologies of other types of nosocomial pneumonia. The most frequent mechanism for bacteria to enter the lower respiratory tract is via aspiration of contaminated oropharyngeal or gastric fluids. Less commonly, organisms can be transmitted via contaminated anesthesia or respiratory therapy equipment or may spread hematogenously from a distant site of infection. As described later, both general anesthesia and postoperative alterations in pulmonary mechanics may increase the likelihood of infection after bacterial contamination of the lower respiratory tract. 

The purpose of the tuberculosis control plan is to prevent the transmission of tuberculosis (TB), which occurs when an individual inhales a droplet that contains Mycohacterium tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis is aerosolized when an infected individual sneezes, speaks, or coughs. Transmission of TB and exposure to TB can be greatly diminished with early identification and isolation of patients at risk, environmental controls, appropriate use of respiratory protection equipment, education of laboratory employees, and when necessary early initiation of therapy. 

During the 1970s, more patients with respiratory failure due to neuromuscular disorders and chest wall deformities received long-term ventilatory assistance at home, either via tracheostomy or body ventilators, which provided effective nocturnal noninvasive ventilation (NIV) (5,6). In the 1970s, the development of home respiratory therapy companies improved support for home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Respiratory therapists could now set up ventilatory equipment, educate the patient and caregivers about using the equipment, and be available to deal with problems. 

Hovig B. Lower respiratory tract infections associated with respiratory therapy and anaesthesia equipment. J Hosp Infect 1981 2 301-305. 

Q2 There is a wide range of respiratory function tests available many can be performed using spirometry or simple equipment such as the peak flow meter. The tests are used to aid the diagnosis of the respiratory disorder present, to follow the course of the disease, which may be recurrent or progressive, and to monitor the effects of therapy. In addition, there are specific occupational lung diseases, for which patients who have a respiratory disability, because of adverse conditions at the workplace, may claim some financial compensation. Their compensation depends on the extent of their respiratory disability. 

Advances in the equipment for the administration of aerosol medication to horses have facilitated the widespread use of inhalation therapy in equine medicine. Newer aerosolization devices ease administration and make pulmonary drug delivery efficient. Aerosol therapy is likely to become the mainstay of treatment for horses with heaves and may prove beneficial in the treatment of infectious respiratory disease in horses. 

To appreciate the pathophysiology of respiratory failure, and to appropriately tailor therapy to the needs of the individual patient, the different components of the illness must be understood and assessed. The degree to which oxygenation, ventilation, airway protection, and secretion clearance are impaired, and what measures are required to manage each of them, are important determinants of where and by whom a particular patient may be cared for. They determine, for example, whether invasive or noninvasive ventilation will be more appropriate for that patient, how likely it is that the patient can be managed successfully at home, and how much external support in the form of equipment and personnel will be required. 

---