Comparison of high-flow nasal cannula versus oxygen face mask for environmental bacterial contamination in critically ill pneumonia patients: a randomized controlled crossover trial | Canada Hyperbarics Skip to main content
RCT J Hosp Infect 2019

Comparison of high-flow nasal cannula versus oxygen face mask for environmental bacterial contamination in critically ill pneumonia patients: a randomized controlled crossover trial

Leung C, Joynt G, Gomersall C, Wong W, Lee A, Ling L, et al. — J Hosp Infect, 2019

Tier 1, Curated

Manually reviewed and included in the Canada Hyperbarics research database.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers conducted a randomised controlled crossover trial in 20 critically ill patients with Gram-negative pneumonia, comparing whether high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) or standard oxygen mask created more bacterial contamination in the surrounding environment.

What They Found

High-flow nasal cannula was not associated with increased air or surface contamination by Gram-negative bacteria or total bacteria, compared to conventional oxygen masks. HBOT is referenced only as background context regarding oxygen delivery methods.

Canadian Relevance

No direct Canadian connection identified.

Study Limitations

HBOT is only peripherally related to this study; the findings pertain to standard hospital oxygen delivery and are not directly applicable to the hyperbaric setting.

This plain-language summary is generated with AI assistance and checked against the source abstract before publication. See our editorial policy.

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Study Details

Study Type RCT
Category Infection
Source Pubmed
PubMed ID 30336170
Year Published 2019
Journal J Hosp Infect
MeSH Terms Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cannula; Critical Illness; Cross-Over Studies; Environmental Pollution; Female; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Male; Masks; Middle Aged; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Prevalence

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: March 19, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology