MICROBIOLOGIC ACTIVITY IN LASER RESURFACING PLUME AND DEBRIS

Background and Objective: With the increasing use of laser resurfacing , concerns have arisen about the biological hazards associated with th e procedure. This study analyzed the potential bacterial and viral exp osure to operating room personnel as a result of the laser smoke plume in COB laser resurfacing. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Thirtee n consecutive patients underwent CO2 laser resurfacing. A HEPA filter in the smoke evacuator was used to collect specimens of the laser plum e smoke for cultures. The study was controlled by a second filter expo sed to room air. Results: The 13 patients each had one bacterial, one viral, and one control culture (total, 39 specimens). In the control g roup, none of the 13 specimens had any growth. No viral growth has bee n found to date. Of 13 bacterial cultures, 5 resulted in growth of coa gulase-negative Staphylococcus. Of these five positive specimens, one also had growth of Corynebacterium and one had growth of Neisseria. Co nclusion: The potential exists for operating personnel to be exposed t o viable bacteria during laser resurfacing. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.