Aseptic precautions for inserting an epidural catheter: a survey of obstetric anaesthetists

Abstract

SummaryThis study aimed to examine the attitudes of intensivists and haematologists to the use of blood and blood products using a scenario-based postal questionnaire. One hundred and sixty-two intensivists and 77 haematologists responded to the survey. In four scenarios, the baseline haemoglobin thresholds for red cell transfusion ranged from 6 to 12 g.dl )1. There was significant variation between scenarios (p < 0.005). Increasing age, high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Status II score, surgery, acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock and lactic acidosis significantly (p < 0.005) modified the transfusion threshold. There were greater variations in the baseline threshold for platelet transfusion. The majority of respondents (72.3%) selected a baseline haemoglobin threshold between 9 and 10 g.dl )1 . The thresholds for platelet transfusion were far less consistent.

Infection as a complication of neuraxial blockade

“…The fact that many anaesthetists fail to wear masks and believe them to be useless 42,68,69 is not evidence of their ineffectiveness. Risks during spinal insertion are not necessarily the same as those for intravascular procedures.…”

Post partum infections: A review for the non-OBGYN

“…Essential aseptic precautions when providing epidural or spinal anesthesia including wearing a face-mask, sterile gloves and sterile gown, removal of wristwatch, hand washing, proper skin preparation, and a properly placed sterile drape are recommended. 45,46 No systematic review has evaluated these recommendations, and wide variations in what is considered to be essential aseptic precautions for placement of epidural catheters for labor and delivery have been documented. 46,47 Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza-related morbidity and mortality, seasonal and pandemic strains alike.…”

“…45,46 No systematic review has evaluated these recommendations, and wide variations in what is considered to be essential aseptic precautions for placement of epidural catheters for labor and delivery have been documented. 46,47 Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza-related morbidity and mortality, seasonal and pandemic strains alike. 48,49 Persisting risk of severe influenza-related illness was observed for at least two weeks postpartum during the 2009 H1N1pandemic influenza A season, prompting CDC to extend its recommendation for treatment with antiviral medications for the first two weeks postpartum.…”

Common Misconceptions of Lumbar Puncture Complications Among Parents in the Eastern Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“…Standard bedside aseptic procedures apply with no-touch technique, sterile drapes and use of chlorhexidine or an equivalent antiseptic. Hand-washing and wearing of masks may be associated with reduced bacterial transfer (Sellors et al, 2002).…”