BACTERIAL BURDEN OF THYROID SHIELDS

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the role of thyroid shield as an infection source in operation room and to evaluate the effectiveness of the sterilization method that is routinely used in the institution. Materials and methods: Samples were obtained from the front faces of 14 thyroid shields using swabs humidified with sterile normal saline. After sampling, shields were cleansed, disinfected and sampling was repeated after 5 minutes. Microorganisms growing in the media were passaged and typed individually and their sensitivity to antibiotics was determined. Growing microorganisms in cultures were compared. Results: At least one pathogenic bacterium was isolated from 13 of the 14 thyroid shields sampled prior to their disinfection. Corynebacterium spp. and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis were most frequently isolated. More than one pathogenic bacterium was isolated from four thyroid shields, and methicillin-resistant microorganisms were isolated from eight thyroid shields. After disinfection, bacterial growth was observed only on two thyroid shields. Conclusion: Thyroid shields are liable to bacterial colonization. In surgical procedures performed under fluoroscopic guidance, appropriate disinfection of thyroid shields before every use is an efficient method for reducing bacterial burden.