Disinfection of eyelid speculums for retinopathy of prematurity examination.

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Abstract
AT MOST centers, examinations for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are performed sequentially on multiple patients in a neonatal intensive care unit setting. A reusable metallic eyelid speculum is often used to facilitate examination and enhance diagnostic accuracy,1 followed by thorough cleaning between patients. Cleaning methods available include wiping with 70% isopropyl alcohol or Betadine swabs, soaking in hydrogen peroxide or 70% isopropyl alcohol, and autoclave sterilization. Because premature infants are immunocompromised and at high risk for life-threatening infection,2 it is important to assure that cleaning methods used are satisfactory. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning speculums with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs against bacteria, fungi, and 2 viruses. This particular cleaning method was chosen because it is commonly used, readily available, and has been demonstrated to be effective in cleaning other ophthalmic instruments.