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The effect of lidocaine on bacterial growth in propofol
M I Vidovich1, L R Peterson, H Y Wong
1Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA. miv909@nwu.edu
Unlabelled:
Extrinsically contaminated propofol has been associated with multiple infectious complications. Injection of propofol is associated with pain that is diminished by the addition of lidocaine. Lidocaine has antibacterial properties at high concentrations, but low concentrations of lidocaine (0.1%) have not been studied. We examined the growth rates of Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in propofol containing disodium edeteate with and without added lidocaine 0.1% 2, 5, and 24 h after inoculation. There was no significant difference in the number of colony-forming units between propofol with and without added lidocaine at any time after inoculation.
Implications:
The addition of lidocaine to propofol in concentrations clinically effective in reducing pain on injection had no effect on microbial growth. Adherence to strict aseptic technique is further emphasized.
Insights
Adding lidocaine to propofol does not affect microbial growth. Strict aseptic techniques remain crucial for preventing infections associated with propofol use.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Propofol contamination is linked to infectious complications.
- Lidocaine reduces propofol injection pain and has antibacterial properties at high concentrations.
- The effect of low-concentration lidocaine (0.1%) on microbial growth in propofol is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of 0.1% lidocaine on the growth of common microorganisms in propofol.
- To determine if lidocaine affects microbial proliferation in propofol formulations.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans.
- Incubating microbes in propofol with and without 0.1% lidocaine for 2, 5, and 24 hours.
- Quantifying colony-forming units to assess microbial growth.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in microbial growth was observed between propofol with and without 0.1% lidocaine.
- Colony-forming unit counts remained comparable across all tested time points and conditions.
- Lidocaine at 0.1% did not inhibit or promote the growth of the studied microorganisms in propofol.
Conclusions:
- Clinically relevant concentrations of lidocaine added to propofol do not influence microbial growth.
- The findings underscore the importance of maintaining rigorous aseptic techniques during propofol preparation and administration.
- Strict adherence to sterile procedures is paramount to prevent propofol-related infections.