Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Design, Fabrication, and Testing of a Novel Surgical Handwashing Machine Publisher Pubmed



Amiraslani S1 ; Darbemamieh G1, 2 ; Karimian F3 ; Tabatabai Ghomsheh F4
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Hard Tissue Engineering Research Center, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Surgery, IK Teaching Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Surgical Innovation Published:2021


Abstract

Background. Surgical hand scrub is strongly recommended as an essential measure to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs). SSI results in morbidity and additional cost. Micropunctures may occur on surgical gloves during operation, thus hand scrub cannot be omitted in any condition. Generally speaking, the adequacy of hand scrub is decided by the surgeon. Only occasionally, surveillance of hygienic status of hands is performed after scrub. Therefore, the potential exists that suboptimal handwash leads to SSIs. There are standards for preoperative handwash, but all of them are operator dependent, and continuous surveillance is actually impossible. One solution is to omit the role of surgeon in handwashing. This can be achieved by designing a standard procedure, performed mechanically by a machine, considering the detailed requirements of hygienic surgical hand scrub. The goal of this study was to develop a procedure that works on the design, fabrication, and trial of a new handwashing machine, for surgical hand scrub. Methods. A machine with a reciprocal spraying mechanism was designed that covers from the fingertips up to the elbow. Various combinations of staged irrigations with antiseptic solutions and water were to be programmed and implemented. Clinical experiments were performed several times with different handwashing programs, and swabs were taken from the skin surface and creases. Results. There was no microbial growth after 72 hours with any handwashing program. Conclusion. The preliminary experiments with this new handwashing machine show promising results for its application in surgical hand scrub. © The Author(s) 2020.