Bacterial contamination of the disposable prism holder during routine tonometry for intraocular pressure.

摘要

The theoretical risk of priori transmission has led to the widespread use of disposable prism tonometers.This has led to the marketing of products such as TONOSAFE (Haag-Streit UK), who state in their product information that 'disposable prisms are convenient, effective method of reducing the risk of cross infection between patients and eliminating the need to clean and disinfect prisms. The actual prisms have been shown to enable accurate pressure measurement and to be sterile. The potential risk of transmission of microbial contamination of the holder for disposable applanation prisms has yet to be reported (see Figure 1). Case report In the light of this, an audit of handwashing was performed during a general ophthalmology checkup. This involved plating of ophthalmologist's fingers, after handwashing, following the interaction with patients.