Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:56
Layer-by-layer Collagen Deposition in Microfluidic Devices for Microtissue Stabilization
Published on: September 29, 2015
The safety of reusing injectable collagen: a multicenter microbiological study
P J Culligan1, S Koduri, M H Heit
1University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA. pculligan@louisville.edu
International Urogynecology Journal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
|August 22, 2002
Summary
Saving partially used glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen syringes for reuse in the same patient is safe and cost-effective. Contamination rates were very low (0.9%), with minimal risk of infection compared to the cost savings.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Previous pilot data suggested safety in reusing glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen.
- A single-center study found low bacterial contamination in saved syringes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To expand on pilot data and assess the safety and cost-effectiveness of reusing partially used syringes of glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen.
- To evaluate microbial contamination in syringes across multiple centers and injection techniques.
Main Methods:
- Collected 166 partially used syringes of glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen from four centers after periurethral injection.
- Refrigerated syringes for 1-104 weeks (average 58 weeks).
- Cultured syringe material for aerobic and anaerobic organisms, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Main Results:
- Only two of 222 total syringes (pilot + expanded study) showed contamination (0.9%).
- One syringe grew over 100,000 colonies of Escherichia coli; another had a weak positive for coagulase-negative staphylococcus.
- Calculated 'number needed to harm' indicated significant cost savings before causing infection.
Conclusions:
- Reinjecting glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen from partially used syringes may be safe and cost-effective for individual patients.
- The risk of infection from reusing syringes is minimal compared to the potential cost savings.
