Assessing sterility techniques in bronchodilator responsiveness testing by practicing allergists in North America

Background

The American Thoracic Society has published general guidelines for sterility when testing for bronchodilator responsiveness. However, the extent to which practicing allergists implement sterility measures is currently unknown.

Objective

This study aims to understand the adherence to the American Thoracic Society guidelines for sterility among practicing allergists.

Methods

In 2015, a questionnaire was approved and distributed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology to all its members. The anonymous responses were recorded and tabulated after a 3-week period.

Results

Of the 6800 allergists who received surveys from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology members, 496 participated in the survey (response rate 7.3%). Using metered dose inhalers with a spacer and nebulizers were the most common bronchodilator administration techniques, as indicated by 59.35% and 58.52% of responses, respectively. Whereas 69.25% of the allergists considered their bronchodilator administration techniques to be sterile, 14.05% did not consider their administration technique to be sterile and 16.70% were unsure. For maintaining sterility, 38.75% of the respondents indicated using a new disposable attachment for reused inhalers, 18.71% indicated using a new inhaler for each patient, and 9.13% reported wiping inhalers with a cleaning agent.

Conclusions

When asked about the sterility of the techniques used by them, nearly one-third of the allergists either stated that the measures used by them were unsterile or stated that they were were unsure. To increase adherence to sterility measures among North American allergists, promoting guideline awareness and proposing updated guidelines focused on the most common bronchodilator administration techniques is essential.