Mechanical prophylaxis: Bacterial colonisation and sterilisation

Mechanical forms of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis have been shown to be effective. One factor that has reduced their widespread acceptance is the relatively high cost. Multi-use would greatly reduce the cost but could increase risks of cross-infection. We have investigated the bacterial load on boots after a single use and identified many species of bacteria including multi-resistant strains and others implicated in hospital- acquired infection. These could represent a considerable risk during multi-use. In the second part of the study we have investigated ways of sterilising the boots and have found ethylene oxide to be a low cost and completely effective method of sterilisation.