Italian Breast Centers Depend Heavily on Single-Use Sterile Items, Survey Reveals
A recent survey involving over 100 Italian breast centers has unveiled a concerning reliance on single-use sterile products during breast biopsy procedures—contributions that significantly elevate clinical waste. The insights from this pivotal study were shared at the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI 2024) annual congress held in Lisbon, Portugal.
Key Findings of the Survey
Dr. Elisabetta Giannotti, a consultant breast radiologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in the U.K. and co-author of the study, emphasized the safety concerns that drive the usage of these materials. “It’s not surprising that most centers utilize sterile products, as safety is paramount in clinical scenarios,” she noted. However, she articulated a pressing need for sustainable practices that preserve safety while mitigating environmental waste.
The survey results indicate that:
- 77% of responding centers perform breast biopsies, with a staggering 98% of these carrying out core-needle biopsies.
- Among the centers conducting core-needle biopsies, 58% used sterile gloves, although nearly half of those responders utilized just one pair.
- A notable 74% of centers reported discarding all excess materials, aggravating waste issues.
“Our findings affirm the importance of exploring and promoting sustainable practices,” Giannotti continued. “There exists a clear opportunity for these centers to embrace more environmentally conscious methods without jeopardizing patient safety.”
Research Methodology
To obtain a comprehensive view of current practices, a team led by Dr. Serena Carriero from the Università Degli Studi Di Milano created a detailed 56-item online questionnaire. The survey, focused on materials utilized in core-needle biopsies, achieved participation from 101 breast centers, collecting a total of 175 responses between February and March 2024.
The survey covered various procedural steps, including operator preparation, sterile fields, and sample collection. The inclusion of questions about items like sterile gloves, drapes, and gauze revealed an alarming level of disposable material usage throughout the process.
Rethinking Hygiene Practices
Despite the widespread use of sterile materials, the research suggests the necessity of revisiting their application. Current literature shows that the incidence of infection during breast biopsies remains exceptionally low, indicating that the ubiquitous use of sterile items may not be essential in every instance. Dr. Giannotti mentioned ongoing efforts to strengthen the evidence supporting more efficient practices in breast biopsies.
The study highlights that:
- Only 6% of participants employed sterile gowns (with many using multiple gowns for collaborators).
- A hefty 82% utilized at least one plastic cup during procedures, with some utilizing more than one.
“We must emphasize minimizing the unnecessary use of both sterile and nonsterile materials while upholding high patient care standards,” the authors articulated in their findings.
Practical Steps for Radiologists
Dr. Giannotti suggests several actionable strategies for radiologists to embrace more sustainable practices:
- Consider non-sterile alternatives: Radiologists can employ single-use gloves without the need for sterilization, provided thorough skin disinfection is practiced.
- Adopt no-touch techniques: This practice aids in preventing contamination when sampling lesions.
- Evaluate sterilization needs: Questioning the routine need for sterility can lead to reduced waste without compromising safety.
She encouraged peers to “be mindful of the environmental impact in daily practices, conserve energy, minimize waste, and recycle wherever feasible.” Resources on sustainable practices can be found on the EUSOBI website.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, the researchers aim to expand their survey globally, further investigating common practices in breast biopsy techniques across various countries. Concurrently, they are initiating a prospective study to evaluate infection rates associated with breast biopsy procedures.
Moreover, EUSOBI has launched a Green Sustainable Workforce initiative, welcoming individuals interested in fostering environmental sustainability in radiology.
“Eco-sustainability in radiology has become more essential than ever,” the authors stated, stressing that significant contributors to environmental pollution include CO2 emissions and waste from single-use items. They advocate for a critical assessment of disposable material usage in breast biopsies, highlighting its broader implications on environmental health.
As the medical community confronts the escalating challenges posed by climate change, this latest study serves as a clarion call for actionable change. How do you think the medical field can strike a balance between patient safety and sustainability? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your insights in the comments below!
For further reading on practices in healthcare sustainability, check out our related articles on Shorty-News. For authoritative insights, delve into sources like TechCrunch and The Verge.
