Halothane Exposure and Serum Bromide Measurements for Healthcare Professionals Working in Surgical Theatres in Jordanian Hospitals

Abstract

Background Aims: To evaluate and measure serum bromide levels for health care professionals working in operation rooms upon exposure to Halothane anesthetic in attempt to support worldwide calls to eradicate halothane from the use as a general anesthetic before surgical operations. Materials and Methods: This is a quantitative descriptive study which used the Inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MASS) to investigate serum bromide levels in blood samples of fifty two healthcare professionals working under Halothane atmosphere inside operation rooms. Results: This study revealed 3-10 times higher levels of serum bromide serum than the allowed non toxic levels (3-4.4 mg/l). The measured concentration ranges were 10-39.9 mg/l.. Conclusions: The observed high level of serum bromide strongly suggested an urgent call to exclude Halothane from the use as a general anesthetic in surgical operation. Meanwhile, serum bromide levels for all workers exposed to Halothane must be frequently monitored to predict the level of toxicity.