Related Experiment Videos
The EmulSiv filter removes microbial contamination from propofol but is not a substitute for aseptic technique
Wendy C E Hall1, Donald T Jolly, Jiri Hrazdil
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta Hospitals, Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Purpose:
To evaluate the ability of the EmulSiv filter (EF) to remove extrinsic microbial contaminants from propofol.
Methods:
Aliquots of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Candida albicans (C. albicans), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Moraxella osloensis (M. osloensis), Enterobacter agglomerans (E. agglomerans), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens), Moraxella catarrhalis (M. catarrhalis), Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) and Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) were inoculated into vials containing 20 mL of sterile propofol. The unfiltered inoculated propofol solutions served as controls. Ten millilitres and 20 mL samples of the inoculated propofol were filtered through the EF. All solutions were then subplated onto three culture plates using a precision 1 micro L calibrated platinum loop and incubated. The number of colony forming units (CFU) were counted. Data were analyzed using a one-sample t test, and a P value of less than 0.05 was selected as the level of statistical significance.
Results:
The EF was able to completely remove CFU of S. aureus, C. albicans, K. pneumoniae, M. osloensis, E. agglomerans, E. coli, S. marcescens, and M. catarrhalis (P < 0.05). A small number of H. influenzae CFU were able to evade filtration in both the 10 mL and 20 mL samples. C. jejuni CFU were able to evade filtration in only the 10 mL sample.
Conclusions:
The EF removes the majority of microbial contaminates from propofol with the exception of H. influenzae and C. jejuni. Although the EF is capable of removing most of the microbial contamination produced by H. influenzae and C. jejuni, a few CFU are capable of evading filtration. Consequently, even the use of a filter capable of removing microbial contaminants is not a substitute for meticulous aseptic technique and prompt administration when propofol is used.
Insights
The EmulSiv filter (EF) effectively removes most microbial contaminants from propofol, but not all strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Campylobacter jejuni. Meticulous aseptic technique remains crucial for safe propofol administration.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Infection Control
Background:
- Propofol, an intravenous anesthetic, can be susceptible to microbial contamination.
- Extrinsic contamination of propofol poses a risk of infection in patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of the EmulSiv filter (EF) in removing common microbial contaminants from propofol.
- To determine if the EF can prevent the passage of bacteria and fungi into propofol solutions.
Main Methods:
- Microbial suspensions of various bacteria and fungi were prepared and inoculated into propofol.
- Propofol samples were filtered through the EF (10 mL and 20 mL volumes).
- Filtered and unfiltered propofol were cultured to quantify colony-forming units (CFU).
Main Results:
- The EF demonstrated complete removal of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and other tested microorganisms (P < 0.05).
- A small number of Haemophilus influenzae CFU passed through the filter in both 10 mL and 20 mL samples.
- Campylobacter jejuni CFU were detected after filtration of 10 mL samples, but not 20 mL samples.
Conclusions:
- The EmulSiv filter effectively removes the majority of microbial contaminants from propofol.
- Haemophilus influenzae and Campylobacter jejuni showed some ability to evade filtration.
- The EF is a valuable tool but does not replace the need for strict aseptic techniques during propofol handling and administration.