How can sterilization of surgical prep clipper blades reduce infection rates in veterinary patients?

Sterilization of Surgical Prep Clipper Blades in Veterinary Patients

Yes, proper sterilization or high-level disinfection of surgical prep clipper blades significantly reduces infection rates in veterinary patients by eliminating bacterial contamination that serves as a source of surgical site infections.

Evidence of Contamination Risk

Clipper blades represent a documented infection control hazard in veterinary practice:

• 51% of clipper blades sampled from veterinary practices were contaminated with bacteria, including potential pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus 1, 2.
• Contaminated clipper blades have been confirmed as fomites for pathogen transmission and are associated with wound and surgical site infections in veterinary medicine 1, 2.
• The persistent bacterial contamination occurs even when cleaning protocols are in place, with the type of cleaning solution being the most significant factor affecting contamination rates 2.

Classification and Required Decontamination Level

Based on infection control principles, clipper blades used for surgical preparation should be classified according to their infection risk:

• Clipper blades contact intact skin but frequently become contaminated with blood and body fluids, placing them in an intermediate-risk category requiring high-level disinfection or sterilization between patients 3.
• Items that contact intact skin but are frequently contaminated by secretions have been implicated in causing cross-infection and require more than simple cleaning 3.
• The fundamental principle is that effective decontamination of reusable devices is essential in reducing the risk of transmission of infection 3.

Effective Decontamination Methods

Research has identified specific products that successfully eliminate bacterial contamination:

• Soaking clipper blades in alcohol or chlorhexidine, or spraying with ethanol/o-phenylphenol products resulted in complete bacterial elimination (zero recovery) in laboratory testing 1.
• Moderate to large bacterial recovery occurred with several other commonly used disinfectant products, demonstrating that many routine cleaning methods are inadequate 1.
• All organic debris (blood, tissue, body fluids) must be removed before disinfection or sterilization, as its presence inhibits disinfectant contact with microbial cells 3.

Recommended Protocol for Veterinary Practice

Implement the following algorithm for clipper blade decontamination:

1. Immediately after use: Place contaminated blades in a designated container to prevent cross-contamination of surfaces 3.

2. Cleaning phase: Thoroughly clean blades with detergent and water to remove all visible organic material, paying particular attention to crevices and articulated sections 3.

3. Disinfection/sterilization phase (choose one):

   • Preferred: Sterilize blades through an audited Sterile Supplies Department following manufacturer's instructions 3.
   • Alternative: Soak cleaned blades in alcohol or chlorhexidine solution for appropriate contact time 1.
   • Alternative: Spray with ethanol/o-phenylphenol disinfectant products 1.

4. Storage: Store decontaminated blades in sealed packaging until next use 3.

Alternative Approach: Single-Use Blades

• Consider using single-use disposable clipper blades where feasible, as this eliminates decontamination difficulties and removes the risk of cross-contamination 3.
• The balance between single-use and reusable equipment should be determined locally based on patient safety assessment, available facilities, and cost 3.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not rely on spray disinfectants alone without prior thorough cleaning, as organic debris prevents disinfectant contact with microorganisms 3.
• Do not assume that commonly used cleaning products are effective—51% of blades remained contaminated despite routine cleaning protocols in practice settings 2.
• Do not use the same blade on multiple patients without proper decontamination between uses, as this directly transmits pathogens 1, 2.
• Avoid storing clipper blades in areas where they can become recontaminated before use 3.

Impact on Surgical Site Infection Prevention

Proper clipper blade decontamination fits within the broader framework of surgical site infection prevention:

• Hair removal, when necessary, should be performed with clippers rather than razors, and only immediately before surgery 3, 4.
• However, the clippers themselves must be properly decontaminated to avoid introducing pathogens during the hair removal process 1, 2.
• Adherence to established infection control protocols remains the most effective method for preventing surgical site infections in veterinary medicine 5.